UPS cargo plane crashes
The death toll from the UPS cargo plane crash near Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport climbed to seven people on Tuesday night — and officials warned that the number could rise further, according to Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, who shared the update on X.
A Tragic Evening in Louisville
Authorities said the UPS aircraft had three people on board when it went down shortly after takeoff. Initial reports confirmed three fatalities and 11 injuries, but several of the injured remain in critical condition. At least two nearby businesses sustained direct damage from the explosion that followed the crash.
Governor Beshear, visibly shaken during his evening briefing, said he was “very concerned” about the flight crew’s condition, having seen early footage of the impact. He noted that hospitals across Louisville were treating multiple victims suffering from severe burns and other trauma.
Safety Measures and Response
In the minutes following the crash, Louisville Metro Police issued a shelter-in-place order, initially covering neighborhoods north of the airport all the way to the Ohio River. By 9 p.m. ET, emergency services reduced the alert to a one-mile radius surrounding the site, though residents were still urged to stay indoors due to potential air quality risks.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) identified the aircraft as UPS Flight 2976, bound for Honolulu, which went down around 5:15 p.m. local time shortly after departure.
Fuel and Environmental Concerns
Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg confirmed in a post on social media that the plane had been carrying 280,000 gallons of fuel. Although Governor Beshear said there was no evidence of any hazardous cargo, he cautioned that the massive fuel spill could lead to environmental complications in nearby areas.
Police Chief Paul Humphrey stated that the crash site would remain an “active investigation zone for several days” as crews work to contain the fire and assess structural damage in the surrounding industrial area.
Community Reactions
Governor Beshear wrote on X that first responders were “onsite and working tirelessly,” praising their courage under dangerous conditions. Mayor Greenberg expressed gratitude for the firefighters and medical teams who rushed to the scene, saying, “We’re praying for the crew and all those affected.”
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy described the images from the crash site as “heartbreaking,” offering prayers for both the Louisville community and the flight crew impacted by the tragedy.
As investigations continue, local officials say their focus remains on saving lives, supporting victims’ families, and preventing further environmental fallout from the devastating explosion.
