A UPS Airlines cargo plane crashed shortly after taking off from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport on Tuesday evening, killing at least seven people and injuring eleven others, authorities confirmed. The aircraft burst into flames moments after impact, sending a massive fireball and thick plumes of smoke into the sky visible for miles across the city.

The plane — a McDonnell Douglas MD-11 freighter, operating as UPS Flight 2976 — was bound for Honolulu, Hawaii when it went down near the airport’s southern perimeter around 5:15 p.m. local time. Witnesses reported hearing a loud explosion followed by intense flames. Several nearby homes and vehicles were damaged, and emergency responders rushed to contain the blaze.

“It was like the whole sky lit up — the heat was unbelievable,” said local resident Maria Lewis, who lives less than a mile from the crash site.

Victims and Emergency Response

Officials said all three crew members aboard the plane died at the scene. Four additional fatalities occurred on the ground, including two airport contract workers and two residents in a nearby housing area. Eleven people were hospitalized with burns and smoke inhalation injuries.

Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg called the incident “a tragedy for our city,” adding that rescue crews worked through the night to search for survivors and secure the area. The airport was temporarily closed, and all departing and arriving flights were suspended for several hours.

Investigation Underway

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have launched a joint investigation into the crash. Early reports suggest that the plane was fully fueled for the long trans-Pacific flight to Hawaii. Investigators are examining whether a mechanical failure or engine fire occurred moments after take-off.

UPS issued a statement expressing “deep sorrow” and confirmed full cooperation with federal investigators.

“Our hearts are with the families, friends, and colleagues of those lost in this tragic event,” UPS said.

Background on UPS Operations in Louisville

Louisville serves as the global air hub for UPS, handling over 300 flights per day through its massive Worldport facility, one of the largest package-sorting centers in the world. The crash is the worst aviation disaster in the city since 2010, when another UPS cargo jet crashed on approach, killing both pilots.

Ongoing Recovery Efforts

By Tuesday night, firefighters had contained the main blaze, though cooling operations continued into the early hours of Wednesday. Federal and local officials have urged nearby residents to avoid the area due to potential air quality hazards from burning jet fuel and debris.

The NTSB said a preliminary report on the crash could be released within two weeks, while the full investigation is expected to take several months.