Louisville Airport: UPS MD-11 Cargo Jet Crashes After Takeoff

Tragedy struck near Louisville International Airport Tuesday when a UPS cargo plane, a McDonnell Douglas MD-11, crashed shortly after takeoff. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported the incident at approximately 5:15 p.m. local time. UPS Flight 2976 was on its way to Honolulu when it went down, igniting a large fire. Authorities confirmed the presence of three crew members aboard the aircraft. Emergency services, including the Louisville Metro Police Department, were immediately dispatched to the scene near Fern Valley and Grade Lane, leading to significant road closures. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear expressed grave concern, believing there were at least three fatalities and emphasized the absence of hazardous materials on the flight. He appealed for prayers for the crew and their families. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy also voiced his grief, calling the aftermath ‘heartbreaking’ and confirmed that both the FAA and NTSB are preparing to investigate the cause. The NTSB is slated to spearhead the inquiry, with all updates to be provided by them. The investigation into what led to this horrific crash is ongoing, with no immediate cause identified.