Cargo Plane Crashes Near Muhammad Ali International Airport in Louisville
A UPS cargo plane crashed shortly after takeoff from Muhammad Ali International Airport in Louisville, Kentucky, on Tuesday. The incident involved flight 2976, which aimed to travel from Louisville to Honolulu, Hawaii. At the time of the crash, three crew members were onboard.
Cargo Plane Crash Details
The crash occurred around 5:20 PM ET. Following the accident, a significant fire broke out in the surrounding area.
Emergency Response
The Louisville Police Department reported responding to incidents near Fern Valley and Grade Lane. Although the condition of the crew members remains unknown, there were reports of injuries from local authorities.
Concerns Over Fuel and Fire
Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg noted that the aircraft was carrying approximately 280,000 gallons of fuel, raising safety concerns. “This is a situation of extreme concern for many reasons,” he commented while speaking to local media.
Government and Safety Authority Reactions
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear confirmed that emergency services were on site. He encouraged everyone to pray for the pilots and those affected. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced that it would conduct an investigation in coordination with the National Transportation Safety Board.
Visual Impact of the Crash
- Local media displayed images of large flames and a dense black smoke cloud billowing from a nearby parking area.
- Firefighters were actively attempting to extinguish the fire caused by the crash.
Public Safety Measures
Local authorities implemented a confinement order for areas from the north side of the airport to the Ohio River. The public was advised to avoid the area for safety reasons.
About Muhammad Ali International Airport
Muhammad Ali International Airport serves as UPS’s global air operation hub. This facility employs thousands, manages 300 flights daily, and sorts over 400,000 packages each hour. The crashed McDonnell Douglas MD-11 was manufactured in 1991 and is part of the UPS fleet.
