A UPS cargo plane crashed near Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport in Kentucky, according to local authorities.
The incident occurred around 5:15pm local time on Tuesday as the aircraft departed from Louisville en route to Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed the crash, which involved a McDonnell Douglas MD-11 aircraft. Emergency services, including Louisville Metro Police Department and multiple agencies, responded to the site, reporting a large plume of smoke and active scene with fire and debris. The cause of the crash has not yet been determined, and the FAA has launched an investigation. UPS stated that three crewmembers were on board the aircraft.
Footage shared online showed a large plume of smoke rising from the area. Officials described it as an “active scene with fire and debris,” urging the public to stay away from the crash site.
A shelter-in-place order was issued for all locations within a five-mile radius of the airport, according to LENSAlert emergency notifications. “Please remain away from the area until further notice,” it stated. The Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport is one of the busiest cargo hubs in the US and the central facility for UPS’s Worldport global shipping operation.
Authorities have not released information about the fate of the crew or potential fatalities on the ground. The incident has prompted significant public concern, and further updates are expected as the investigation unfolds. Meanwhile, UPS has expressed its commitment to safety and will conduct a thorough review of the incident to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Residents in the surrounding area have been advised to remain alert and follow all official guidelines to ensure their safety. The local community and emergency services are working in coordination to manage the situation and provide support to any affected individuals. Updates from the FAA and UPS are anticipated as the investigation continues, with the goal of identifying the root causes and implementing necessary measures to enhance aviation safety.