At least seven persons were killed and numerous others were injured when a UPS cargo plane crashed soon after departure from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport in Kentucky.
The MD-11F freight airliner caught fire shortly after takeoff at approximately 5:15 p.m. local time (10:15 p.m. GMT), causing enormous plumes of black smoke to billow across the city.
Governor Andy Beshear confirmed the Tuesday night incident and deaths, saying that the three crew members on board were probably among the dead.
Two employees of a local car repair shop hit by the aircraft are still unaccounted for, while eleven other people are said to have suffered severe injuries.
Authorities said that the almost 38,000 gallons (144,000 liters) of jet fuel the aircraft was carrying on its 4,300-mile flight to Hawaii were the source of the fire that broke out after the accident.
A petroleum recycling factory is one of the businesses impacted by the explosion. As emergency personnel struggled to contain the fire, a temporary citywide shelter-in-place order was issued within a five-mile radius, which was eventually reduced to one mile.
Because of the amount of fuel that had spilled and the ongoing fire threats, Louisville Fire Department Chief Brian O’Neal called the scene “extremely dangerous.”
He declared, “Our teams are working tirelessly to cool down the wreckage and prevent further explosions.”
Due to ongoing rescue efforts and safety concerns, airport officials grounded all departing planes on Tuesday night.
Governor Beshear warned of lingering dangers and advised locals to avoid the crash area.
“Those who have viewed the photos understand how terrible this collision was. Potential explosives and combustible items are still present at the location, he stated.
Paul Humphrey, the chief of Louisville Metro Police, stated that while investigators attempt to secure and examine the debris, the area would continue to be active for a few days.
Before joining the UPS fleet in 2006, the 34-year-old McDonnell Douglas MD-11F had its first flight with Thai Airways in 1990.
UPS expressed its “deep sadness” over the tragedy in a statement. “The families of those impacted are in our thoughts. The corporation declared, “We are dedicated to supporting local authorities and guaranteeing the safety of our employees and community.”
