Video footage from nearby roads captured the terrifying moments of the UPS Flight 2976 crash at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, producing a massive and deadly fireball. The footage, filmed from inside a vehicle, shows a huge plume of black and gray smoke towering into the sky, visible for miles, and the driver shouting in shock as flames consume the aircraft on the runway.
The crash, which occurred around 5:15 p.m. on Tuesday, resulted in at least seven fatalities with at least 11 injured. Local authorities, including Governor Andy Beshear, have confirmed the severity of the incident, describing it as ‘catastrophic,’ and have called for nearby residents to take shelter due to heavy smoke and debris. Both the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched investigations to determine the cause of the accident.
According to initial reports, the plane was en route to Honolulu when it crashed onto the roof of the Kentucky Petroleum Recycling building after departing from SDF. Emergency crews arrived at the scene promptly, though the debris scattered across the tarmac and the heavy smoke continue to pose challenges for rescue operations. While the exact cause remains under investigation, the incident has raised concerns about aviation safety and the need for further scrutiny of flight protocols and maintenance procedures.
As the investigation unfolds, authorities have issued a shelter-in-place order for nearby neighborhoods, urging residents to stay indoors until the situation is deemed safe. The Louisville Metro Police Department and Louisville Fire Department are also providing updates as they continue to assess the damages and assist those affected by the disaster.