A UPS cargo plane crashed violently in Louisville, Kentucky. It happened Tuesday evening shortly after takeoff. The McDonnell Douglas MD-11 flight was heading toward Honolulu. The crash occurred in an industrial zone next to the airport.
This catastrophic incident caused at least seven deaths. Authorities also confirmed eleven injuries. Four of the people who died were on the ground. Three crew members were on the aircraft. Their status remains unconfirmed.
Videos show fire on the plane’s left side right after liftoff. The jet then hit the ground, causing a massive fireball and explosion. The resulting fire hit a recycling center and an auto parts shop.
Emergency crews rushed to the scene. The Louisville airport immediately shut down. UPS also halted all operations at its Worldport hub. This hub is the company’s largest package sorting facility. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has sent a team to lead the official investigation.
