UPS Plane Crashes Near Airport, Killing at Least 3 and Injuring at Least 11 People as Giant Fire Breaks Out

A UPS MD-11 cargo plane crashed near Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport in Kentucky on Tuesday, Nov. 4, igniting a massive fire and killing at least three people. According to the Associated Press, at least 11 others were injured.

UPS Flight 2976 was headed to Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed in a statement. Shortly after taking off around 5 p.m. local time, the aircraft went down, the Louisville Metro Police Department reported on X.

A large fire broke out at the crash site, sending thick black smoke into the air. “This is an active scene with fire and debris. Stay away,” warned the Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD).

Authorities issued a shelter-in-place order for anyone within five miles of the airport. “Please remain away from the area until further notice,” the LMPD added.

According to UPS, three crew members were aboard the plane at the time. Their identities have not yet been released. The company stated, “UPS will release more facts as they become available, but the National Transportation Safety Board is in charge of the investigation and will be the primary source of information about the official investigation.”

The FAA confirmed that the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will lead the inquiry into the crash.

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear addressed the incident on X, writing, “The situation is serious. Please pray for the families affected. I’m headed to Louisville now.” He later told the Associated Press, “It is still a very dangerous situation with different flammables or potentially explosive materials.”

Senator Rand Paul also shared a statement, saying on X, “We continue to pray for the safety of the aircrew, everyone in the area, and for the first-responders on the scene.”

The McDonnell Douglas MD-11F is a freighter aircraft designed to transport cargo rather than passengers. Louisville’s Muhammad Ali International Airport serves as the global air hub for UPS, employing around 12,000 workers who handle more than two million packages daily at its five-million-square-foot facility.

The Louisville Metro Police Department and the National Transportation Safety Board have been contacted for additional information.