by Louisville, KY – A devastating cargo plane crash at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport left at least 12 people dead and several others injured on Tuesday evening, according to Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear.
The UPS freight plane exploded shortly after takeoff around 5:15 p.m. local time, sending massive flames and thick black smoke across the area. Officials believe the death toll may rise, with at least one child among the victims.
Engine Failure Led to Catastrophic Fire
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) confirmed that the plane’s left engine caught fire and detached from the wing during takeoff, triggering the deadly crash. Witnesses reported hearing a loud explosion as debris rained down over nearby businesses.
“The video shows the left engine detaching from the wing during the takeoff roll,” said Todd Inman of the NTSB. “The aircraft briefly lifted off the ground but struck multiple buildings beyond the runway.”
The plane’s three-member crew is believed to be among the dead. Governor Beshear has since declared a state of emergency, allowing the Kentucky National Guard to assist with recovery efforts.
Survivors and Missing Victims
More than a dozen people suffered severe burns, shrapnel injuries, and smoke inhalation. Rescue teams continued searching late into Wednesday, as multiple victims remain unaccounted for.
Officials said 16 families have reported missing loved ones. Two workers at an auto business hit by the plane have yet to be found, and investigators are still assessing how many people were inside nearby buildings when the aircraft went down.
“Anyone who has seen the images knows how violent this crash is,” Beshear said. “There are still dangerous, flammable materials that could explode.”
Investigation Underway
The NTSB has recovered the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder, commonly known as the black boxes. A team of 28 federal investigators is analyzing the wreckage and surveillance footage to determine the cause.
Officials confirmed the aircraft was loaded with 38,000 gallons of fuel for a planned 4,300-mile flight to Hawaii, which intensified the fire and caused what witnesses described as “raining oil” over Louisville.
“The amount of fuel spilled made it a very dangerous situation,” said Louisville Fire Chief Brian O’Neal, noting that crews fought the fire for hours before gaining control.
Read Also: Arizona Dad Who Left Toddler in Hot Car While Watching Porn Found Dead Before Court Date
Widespread Damage and Safety Concerns
The fiery explosion engulfed at least two nearby businesses, including a petroleum recycling facility. Authorities issued a shelter-in-place order within a five-mile radius, later reduced to one mile, due to fears of secondary explosions and air contamination.
All departing flights from Louisville were canceled Tuesday night, though the airport reopened its runways by Wednesday morning.
“We don’t know how long it will take to render the crash site safe,” said Louisville Metro Police Chief Paul Humphrey, describing the scene as “an ongoing active investigation.”
Continuing Search for Answers
As Kentucky reels from the disaster, officials have not yet confirmed what cargo the plane was carrying but said it posed no additional contamination risk. Governor Beshear urged residents to avoid the area while cleanup and investigation efforts continue.
“We’re doing everything we can to recover victims and support affected families,” Beshear said.
What safety reforms do you think airlines and cargo operators should implement to prevent such tragedies? Share your thoughts on race-day-live.com.
