UPS Plane Crashes Whilst Taking Off At Louisville Airport

A UPS cargo plane caught fire and crashed shortly after takeoff from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport on Tuesday evening, killing at least seven people and injuring at least 11 more.

The flight, UPS 2976, was bound for Honolulu when it suffered a “catastrophic crash” around 5:15 p.m., Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear said.

Debris from the aircraft struck two nearby businesses, Kentucky Petroleum Recycling and Grade A Auto Parts.

The plane was carrying 38,000 gallons of fuel, raising concerns about environmental hazards. Authorities issued a shelter-in-place for residents within one mile of the airport, which remains in effect, while a separate shelter-in-place in Jeffersonville, Indiana, was lifted late Tuesday.

UofL Health reported ten patients were treated at its four area hospitals, with two in critical condition in the Burn Unit. Firefighters have largely contained the fire and are conducting a systematic search for survivors.

Emergency responders are warning people not to touch debris.

Louisville is home to UPS’ largest package handling facility, Worldport, which halted operations Tuesday night.

The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed the National Transportation Safety Board will lead the investigation, with UPS assisting on the ground. A victim reunification centre has been set up at the Louisville Metro Police training academy.

#MaltaDaily