A terrifying scene unfolded in Louisville, Kentucky on Tuesday evening when a UPS cargo plane exploded while attempting to take off, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake.
What began as a routine flight quickly turned into a deadly disaster, claiming lives and injuring many.
The Explosion and Its Immediate Aftermath
The MD-11 UPS aircraft was departing from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport around 5:15 p.m., bound for Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu, when the explosion occurred.
Witnesses shared harrowing footage on social media showing flames erupting from the plane’s left wing as it struggled to gain altitude.
Moments later, the aircraft erupted in a massive fireball.
Dashcam videos captured the horrifying crash as the plane slammed back into the runway.
The impact sent fire racing across the airport grounds and struck two nearby businesses: Kentucky Petroleum Recycling and Grade A Autoparts.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear confirmed that, apart from two missing employees later found, all workers at those sites survived.
Casualties and Crew Details
At least seven people lost their lives, and eleven others were injured in the incident.
Three crew members were onboard the flight, though authorities have not confirmed whether any of the deceased were part of the crew.
Governor Beshear expressed his concern, saying, “From the videos I’ve seen, I’m very concerned for them, but I’m still praying.
It may be some time until we can account for everyone.”
The plane was carrying a full load of 38,000 gallons of fuel for the long trip to Hawaii, which fueled the massive fire that spread over five miles.
At least two victims remained in critical condition, and officials warned that the numbers of fatalities and injuries could rise.
Emergency Response and Public Safety
Local authorities responded rapidly. Louisville Metro Police reported receiving 20 calls from residents who heard the explosion and saw the flames.
The department advised the public to stay clear of the area and issued a shelter-in-place order that temporarily covered much of the city due to smoke and debris.
Mayor Craig Greenberg urged residents to avoid the crash site, tweeting that multiple emergency agencies were responding and the fire was still burning.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy also asked Americans to join in prayer for both the victims and the flight crew, while confirming that the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and FAA were mobilizing to lead the investigation.
Nationwide Travel Disruptions Amid Government Shutdown
The tragic crash came on a day already plagued by air travel disruptions.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt blamed the ongoing government shutdown, arguing that Democrats were leaving air traffic controllers unpaid during the busiest travel season.
This marked the longest federal government shutdown in U.S. history, with many air traffic control staff set to miss their second paycheck this week.
Airports across the country, including Houston, Phoenix, and other major hubs, were experiencing significant delays due to staffing shortages.
The FAA implemented Ground Delay Programs at key control centers, slowing arrivals to prevent system overloads.
Flights faced waits of up to three hours in some regions, with cascading effects impacting travel nationwide.
The Path Forward
As investigations continue and emergency crews work tirelessly at the crash site, residents and travelers are urged to remain vigilant and avoid the affected areas.
Officials are still accounting for casualties, and the full scope of the disaster may not be clear for some time.