Tragic Cargo Plane Crash in Kentucky Leaves 11 Dead

Thu Nov 06 2025 08:30:53 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A catastrophic incident involving a UPS cargo plane took place in Louisville, Kentucky, killing at least 11 people as the aircraft's engine fell off during takeoff.

A UPS cargo plane crashed shortly after takeoff from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport on Tuesday evening, leading to at least 11 fatalities, including possible children. The incident occurred as the left engine detached from the aircraft. Emergency teams are still searching for missing persons and managing the aftermath of the fire that engulfed the scene. Governor Andy Beshear has declared a state of emergency as investigations by the National Transportation Safety Board are underway.

At least 11 people were killed after a UPS cargo plane crashed during takeoff from an airport in Louisville, Kentucky on Tuesday evening, the state's governor said.

Andy Beshear stated that the death toll is expected to rise, likely including at least one child, as the freight plane exploded shortly after departing Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport around 5:15 PM local time.

The left engine caught fire and detached from the wing during takeoff, resulting in a significant blaze that sent thick smoke into the air, according to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).

More than a dozen others suffered injuries ranging from burns to shrapnel wounds and smoke inhalation.

Officials mentioned that survivors have sustained very significant injuries and search efforts continue as multiple individuals are unaccounted for. The plane’s three-member crew is feared to be among the dead.

A preliminary investigation is in progress, but it is still early to identify the cause of the crash. However, footage from surveillance cameras is assisting investigators in understanding what transpired. The cockpit flight recorder and the flight data recorder, known as the black box, were recovered.

Investigators reported that CCTV showed the left engine detaching during takeoff, with the plane able to clear a fence before crashing into businesses around the airport.

Beshear declared a state of emergency to streamline the response through emergency management and the Kentucky National Guard. The airport's runway has since reopened for flights.

At least 16 families have reported relatives missing, including two individuals who were in a nearby auto business when the crash occurred.

UPS indicated that they had three crew members on board but haven't confirmed any injuries or casualties yet.

Local officials continue to search through the debris due to the large destruction caused by the ensuing fire from the crash. The investigation will consider the massive amount of fuel the plane was carrying for a journey to Hawaii, which ignited a severe fire upon crash landing.

Louisville is home to UPS Worldport, the company's primary global air cargo hub. UPS stated it was terribly saddened by the crash and paused sorting operations at their facility.