New CCTV footage from a local business in Kentucky has captured the moment a UPS cargo plane crashed near Louisville airport, resulting in the deaths of 9 people and injuries to 11 others. The dramatic video shows the aircraft plunging to the ground, creating a massive fireball that ignited a chain of fires in an industrial area adjacent to the airport.
The National Transportation Safety Board has launched an investigation into the crash, which occurred after the plane took off from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport. The McDonnell Douglas MD-11, en route to Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu, was loaded with over 200,000 pounds of fuel and was 34 years old. FAA records obtained by Reuters highlight the aircraft’s age, raising questions about its safety and maintenance practices.
UPS, one of the largest employers in Louisville, has announced that delivery schedules may be affected by the disruption, with contingency plans in place to ensure shipments reach their destinations as quickly as possible. The Louisville airport, which hosts UPS Worldport – a global hub for the shipping company’s air cargo operations – is now available for aircraft operations, although travelers are advised to monitor their flight status for potential delays and cancellations.
The incident has sparked concern about the safety of aging aircraft in the industry. While the National Transportation Safety Board leads the investigation, the focus will likely be on the plane’s maintenance history, operational procedures, and potential mechanical failures that could have led to the crash.
UPS has expressed its condolences, stating in a statement, “We are terribly saddened by the accident tonight in Louisville.” The crash has deeply impacted the local community, with over 26,000 jobs tied to the company in the region. The ongoing investigation aims to determine the cause of the crash, which has already caused significant disruption to both the local economy and air travel operations.
Fox News Digital’s Emma Bussey and Reuters contributed to this report.