Louisville, Kentucky (National Times): A UPS MD-11 cargo plane, operating as Flight 2976, crashed shortly after takeoff from Muhammad Ali International Airport in Louisville on Tuesday evening, resulting in a significant explosion and fire near the UPS Worldport complex.
Initial reports indicate that the aircraft experienced an engine fire shortly after takeoff, leading to a powerful explosion that was visible for miles. Thick plumes of black smoke blanketed the area as emergency responders rushed to the scene. Authorities have issued a shelter-in-place order within a five-mile radius of the airport and have temporarily closed all nearby roads and runways as firefighters work to contain the blaze.
Several injuries have been reported, and there are unconfirmed reports of fatalities. The condition of the flight crew remains unknown as rescue efforts continue. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched a joint investigation into the crash.
Witnesses described the explosion as “deafening,” with debris scattered across parts of the UPS logistics hub, one of the largest package sorting facilities in the world.
