UPS Cargo Plane Erupts in Fireball After Takeoff in Kentucky

A UPS cargo plane burst into flames and crashed shortly after takeoff from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport in Kentucky, leaving at least four people dead and eleven injured, officials said. Authorities fear the toll may rise as crews continue searching through burning debris.

The McDonnell Douglas MD-11 freighter, operating as Flight 2976 and bound for Honolulu, went down around 5:15 p.m. local time Tuesday. Witnesses reported seeing one of the aircraft’s wings on fire moments before impact, followed by a massive explosion that sent a fireball and thick black smoke into the evening sky.

The aircraft was carrying roughly 38,000 gallons of fuel when it struck an industrial corridor south of the airport, igniting several nearby buildings. Fires engulfed a recycling center that took a direct hit, as well as an auto parts shop where multiple employees were unaccounted for.

A shelter-in-place order was issued for all areas within five miles of the airport and later extended north to the Ohio River.

All flights from the airport were canceled Tuesday evening as emergency teams battled the flames. Video footage from local media showed the UPS aircraft lifting off, trailing fire from its right wing, before losing altitude and exploding on impact.

Federal Aviation Administration records indicate the plane was 34 years old and had been with UPS since 2006. Earlier that day, it had flown from Louisville to Baltimore and back without incident. Flightradar24 data shows the aircraft reached only 175 feet and 184 knots before a sudden descent.

The National Transportation Safety Board will lead the investigation into the cause of the crash.