A massive fire broke out in a U.S. city today following a UPS cargo plane crash and explosion during takeoff at Muhammad Ali International Airport in Kentucky. The incident resulted in nine confirmed deaths and left another 11 individuals with severe injuries, with concerns that the death toll may increase.
The McDonnell Douglas MD-11 aircraft, manufactured in 1991, crashed around 5:15 pm local time after its left wing caught fire, leading to a dramatic fireball as it descended. The plane was en route to Hawaii from the UPS Worldport facility in Louisville, Kentucky’s largest city.
Key questions remain unanswered about the crash, including the identities of the victims, some of whom were on the ground during the tragedy. Reports indicate that four of the deceased were not passengers on the plane, as stated by Louisville Fire Department Chief Brian O’Neill. Governor Andy Beshear mentioned that 16 families have reported missing loved ones following the incident.
The cause of the crash remains unknown, prompting investigations by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). Video footage captured flames emanating from the aircraft’s left wing before it crashed and exploded in a fiery blaze.
Local residents heard multiple booms and witnessed what seemed like several explosions during the catastrophe. The crash impacted a fuel recycling business directly and also affected a car parts business. An aviation expert pointed out that the large amount of fuel onboard may have exacerbated the fire and explosion.
Authorities plan to examine critical data from the plane’s black box recorder to determine the sequence of events leading up to the crash, including the crew’s response to the fire. UPS confirmed that three crew members were on board, all of whom remain unaccounted for. Residents in the vicinity have been advised to seek shelter due to the spreading flames.
UPS expressed deep sadness over the incident and pledged to cooperate fully with investigative efforts. The company emphasized its commitment to safety and vowed to collaborate closely with relevant authorities in response to the tragedy.
