Louisville (BN24) – A UPS cargo plane carrying three crew members crashed and burst into flames shortly after takeoff from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport on Tuesday evening, igniting a large fire and prompting emergency response teams to rush to the scene. The crash, which occurred at approximately 5:15 p.m. local time, sent thick plumes of black smoke billowing into the sky and forced officials to issue a shelter-in-place order for neighborhoods north of the airport.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the aircraft—UPS Flight 2976, a McDonnell Douglas MD-11 manufactured in 1991—had just departed for Honolulu, Hawaii, when it went down near the airport’s perimeter. The Louisville Metro Police Department confirmed that injuries were reported, though the full extent remained unclear Tuesday night.
UPS, in an initial statement, said it had not yet confirmed any injuries or fatalities. “Our focus is on our crew members and their families. We are cooperating with authorities and will share more information as it becomes available,” the company said.
Emergency crews from Louisville Metro Fire and Airport Fire Services worked to extinguish a massive blaze fueled by the aircraft’s large quantity of jet fuel. Television footage and eyewitness videos showed flames and thick black smoke stretching across a nearby parking area as firefighters battled to contain the inferno.
Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg confirmed that multiple injuries had been reported, adding that “all of our emergency resources are on the scene right now.” He also noted that the plane’s fuel load had significantly intensified the fire.
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said he was monitoring the situation closely. “First responders are onsite, and we will share more information as available. Please pray for the pilots, crew, and everyone affected,” Beshear posted on X. Later, he confirmed he was traveling to Louisville to oversee the state’s response.
Authorities extended the shelter-in-place order to all areas between the airport and the Ohio River, citing heavy smoke and potential airborne hazards. Residents were urged to avoid the area as emergency crews continued to douse the flames and secure the crash site.
UPS, one of Louisville’s largest employers, operates its global air hub and headquarters from the airport, known by its code SDF. The facility handles hundreds of daily flights and employs more than 25,000 workers in the region.
Both the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) announced they will jointly investigate the cause of the crash. The NTSB said a team of investigators would arrive in Louisville by Wednesday morning to begin collecting evidence from the wreckage.
As night fell, the fire appeared largely contained, but officials said the situation remained “fluid and dangerous.” The fate of the crew members had not yet been confirmed, and authorities urged patience as rescue and recovery efforts continued through the evening.
