A UPS cargo plane crashed just after takeoff near Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport around 5:15 p.m. Tuesday, November 4. The crash left a trail of fire and debris and caused massive damage in an industrial area close to the airport.
The details: At least nine people are confirmed dead, with ten others in the hospital. Two of those hurt are in critical condition at the burn center. The number of casualties may still rise as first responders search the scene, according to CNN.
- Videos from truck dash cams and local security cameras captured the dramatic moment of the crash and the fireball that followed.
- The plane, a UPS-operated MD-11 cargo aircraft, hit several nearby businesses, including an auto parts store and a recycling facility. Secondary explosions were reported from ruptured tanks holding propane and oil.
- The National Transportation Safety Board and FAA are investigating the cause. A black box has been recovered, and aviation experts say an engine detached before the plane went down.
What's happening now: Kentucky's governor has declared a state of emergency. The National Guard was sent in to help, and a shelter-in-place order covers the blocks around the impact zone. Flights have resumed at the airport but delays are heavy since only one runway is available.
UPS shut down their big Worldport hub in Louisville after the crash, suspending all overnight package sorting. It's not clear when the facility will be fully operational again.
Firefighters and hazmat crews are still working to secure the wreckage and check for more victims grid by grid. The NTSB plans to brief the public after more details are gathered.