Tragedy Strikes as UPS Cargo Plane Crashes in Louisville, Kentucky

Wed Nov 05 2025 16:59:37 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A UPS cargo plane crashed shortly after takeoff from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, resulting in multiple fatalities and significant injuries. The incident highlights the risks associated with air freight operations.

At least seven people are dead following a tragic crash of a UPS cargo plane in Louisville, Kentucky. The McDonnell Douglas MD-11 aircraft suffered a left-wing fire shortly after taking off for Honolulu, leading to a devastating explosion. In addition to the fatalities, 11 others are reported to have serious injuries. The accident prompted a halt in operations at the Louisville airport, and officials have stated there was no hazardous cargo onboard. The investigation is now in the hands of the National Transportation Safety Board.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — A UPS cargo plane tragically crashed while taking off from Louisville airport on Tuesday, with at least seven confirmed dead and several others injured. The incident unfolded around 5:15 p.m. as the McDonnell Douglas MD-11 aircraft experienced a left-wing fire shortly after it lifted off the runway, resulting in a catastrophic accident just a few miles from downtown Louisville.

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear confirmed that in addition to the fatalities, 11 individuals sustained very significant injuries. The names of the deceased have not yet been released. Notably, four of the fatalities were individuals on the ground, not aboard the plane, according to Louisville Fire Department Chief Brian O’Neill.

A trail of destruction

Eyewitness accounts and video footage captured the horrifying moments as flames engulfed the left side of the aircraft while it struggled for altitude. The plane managed to lift slightly off the ground before crashing and igniting a massive fire that spanned an entire city block. Residents recorded the explosion, which sent balls of fire into the sky, while remnants of a building's roof were strewn across the area.

Following the accident, Louisville airport was immediately shut down, and operations are expected to remain suspended until at least Wednesday morning.

UPS responds

UPS, which operates its largest package handling facility in Louisville, issued a statement acknowledging the crash. The company confirmed there were no hazardous materials onboard the aircraft and that they had halted package sorting operations at the facility until further notice. The investigation into the incident has been handed over to the National Transportation Safety Board.

Aviation expert reacts

Aviation lawyer Pablo Rojas commented on the videos of the crash, noting the difficulty in controlling flames near the engines due to the significant fuel onboard. He suggested that once the fire ignited, an explosion was a likely outcome, given the aircraft's circumstances. Rojas emphasized the complexities faced by the pilot in attempting to manage such an emergency during takeoff.