LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A UPS cargo plane crashed and exploded in a massive fireball Tuesday while taking off from the company’s global aviation hub, killing at least seven people and injuring several others.
The crash triggered an explosion and a major fire, causing a large plume of black smoke to fill the sky above. Louisville fire chief Brian O’Neill said the fire took up almost an entire city block. He announced just after 10 p.m. that the fire was mostly contained. O’Neill said they did a grid search and went around to the houses and businesses that they could after the crash trying to make sure everyone is accounted for. He added, they will continue looking and working in the area.
Gov. Andy Beshear, D-Ky., updated the death toll just after 10 p.m.
Jonathan Biven, Louisville airport public safety officer said all departing flights have been canceled for tonight, and anyone traveling out of the airport Wednesday should contact their airline for the latest flight status. Travelers should follow the airport’s X page for the latest updates. The airport will reopen Wednesday morning.
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The Federal Aviation Administration has also issued a Temporary Flight Restriction within a 5-mile radius through 7 a.m.
UofL Health said it’s treating 10 patients related to the incident, two of whom are in critical condition in the Burn Center.
The shelter-in-place has been reduced to one mile within the airport, said Jody Meiman of Louisville Metro Emergency Services; it was previously up to five miles.
During an earlier news conference, Gov. Andy Beshear, D-Ky., said at approximately 5:14 p.m. ET, UPS Flight 2976 crashed and then caught fire. It was headed to Honolulu. The National Transportation Safety Board is leading the investigation.
Beshear mentioned that the number of injuries and possible deaths is likely to rise. He described it as an all-hands-on-deck response.
“We have virtually every single fire, police and emergency response crew that is responding right now to what you are seeing,” Beshear said.
He said he does not believe there was hazardous cargo on board that would create an environmental issue for those around the site.
The main area hit consisted of two businesses: Kentucky Petroleum Recycling and Grade A Auto Parts. Some Louisville Gas & Electric equipment was damaged; there may be some power outages for safety, Beshear said.
The nearby Ford plant was not hit but lost power for a period of time.
The Louisville Metro Police Department is providing Victim Reunification at 2911 Taylor Blvd. United Way is also offering shelter. LMPD Chief Paul Humphrey urged the public to avoid the crash area and let first responders do their jobs, stressing the scene will be active and dangerous for several days.
Louisville Fire Chief Brian O’Neill said the Okolona Fire Department was the first to respond, adding that units from Louisville and Jefferson County are supporting the response. Fire crews are working to contain the blaze from all sides, using a surround-and-control approach. He requested continued public patience, reiterating first responders are working hard and updates will come.
The NTSB is leading the investigation, Beshear said. He and others urged patience and staying away from the area.
The NTSB is launching a go-team of to investigate Tuesday’s crash of a UPS MD-11 cargo aircraft, Flight 2976. NTSB Board Member Todd Inman will serve as the on-scene spokesperson. The investigative team is scheduled to arrive in Kentucky tomorrow and there will initially be 28 people on the team.
According to the FAA, the plane was a McDonnell Douglas MD-11. The McDonnell Douglas MD-11 airplane owned by UPS was manufactured in 1991; MD-11’s hold more than 38,000 gallons of gas.
In a statement, UPS said, “We are terribly saddened by the accident tonight in Louisville. Our heartfelt thoughts are with everyone involved. UPS is committed to the safety of our employees, our customers and the communities that we serve. This is particularly true in Louisville, home to our airline and thousands of UPsers.”
“We are engaged with the National Transportation Safety Board’s investigation of the accident and are staying in close contact with the Federal Aviation Administration. We will work tirelessly with state and local authorities on response efforts.”
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy described the situation as “heartbreaking.”
“Please join me in prayer for the Louisville community and flight crew impacted by this horrific crash,” he said.
Mayor Craig Greenberg, D-Louisville, also responded on social media.
“Rachel and I are praying for victims of the UPS plane that crashed during takeoff at 5:15 p.m.,” he said. “We have every emergency agency responding to the scene. There are multiple injuries, and the fire is still burning. There are many road closures in the area—please avoid the scene.”
The department added this is an active scene with fire and debris and urged others to stay away.
The University of Louisville was hosting the ACC Field Hockey Championship at Trager Stadium, which is in the middle of campus. Wake Forest and Syracuse would have played at 6 p.m. The stadium was evacuated shortly after the crash, and the game has been rescheduled for 1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 5.
This is a developing story. We will add more details when they become available.
Spectrum News Staff, Associated Press
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