Three individuals lost their lives in a fiery crash when a cargo plane failed during takeoff, leading to a tragic sequence of events on the ground. The UPS freight aircraft went off the runway, igniting a massive blaze that engulfed nearby businesses, including Grade A Autoparts and Kentucky Petroleum Recycling, which suffered a direct impact. The death toll has risen to seven, with more fatalities anticipated as Governor Andy Beshear highlighted the severity of injuries sustained. Authorities are now conducting an investigation to reconstruct the tragic moments preceding the disaster.
Unverified video footage reveals that UPS Flight 2976, carrying 38,000 gallons of fuel, was already on fire before veering off the runway. Aviation lawyer Pablo Rojas observed the aircraft struggling to ascend as flames engulfed its left side near an engine. Given the substantial fuel load onboard the 34-year-old plane, Rojas expressed concerns about the potential for an explosion or rapid fire spread due to the volatile situation.
Witnesses described a harrowing scene, with debris scattered up to 10 miles from the crash site, as recounted by local resident Justin Dunn. Another resident, Katie Didit, recounted hearing a loud explosion while driving home, initially mistaking it for a building fire. She captured the darkening sky on video, noting the swift change in the cityscape within minutes.
Kentucky Truck Parts & Service shared a post on Facebook detailing the proximity of the crash to their business and the impact on the surrounding area. UPS issued a statement expressing sorrow over the incident and affirming their commitment to safety and cooperation with investigative authorities.
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