Seven Dead After UPS Cargo Plane Crashes and Explodes in LouisvilleBy

At least seven people have been killed after a UPS cargo plane crashed and burst into flames during takeoff at Louisville International Airport, Kentucky.

The MD-11F aircraft, operating as UPS Flight 2976, veered off the runway around 5:15 p.m. local time on Tuesday, hitting nearby buildings and triggering a massive blaze.

Governor Andy Beshear said two businesses — Kentucky Petroleum Recycling and Grade A Auto Parts — were “hit directly.”
Officials fear the death toll could rise as two workers remain missing and eleven others are injured.

The plane was carrying about 38,000 gallons of fuel on its route to Hawaii, which fueled the explosion. Fire crews battled for hours to contain the flames, while residents near the airport were told to shelter indoors.

Investigators say the jet climbed briefly before its wing caught fire, sending it crashing back to the ground. The FAA and NTSB have launched an investigation into the cause.