A Tragic Crash: UPS Cargo Plane Crash in Kentucky
At least seven people were killed and 11 others injured when a UPS cargo plane crashed while taking off from Louisville, Kentucky's Muhammad Ali International Airport on Tuesday evening. The incident, which occurred around 17:15 local time, sent thick plumes of black smoke into the sky and engulfed at least two nearby businesses, including a petroleum recycling company. The UPS flight, bound for Honolulu, Hawaii, was carrying 38,000 gallons of fuel when it skidded off the runway and struck nearby buildings.
The three crew members are likely to be among the dead, according to Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear. He warned that people suffered 'very significant' injuries and the death toll could rise. The incident has sparked concern over the safety of air cargo operations and the potential risks associated with large-scale incidents.
The MD-11F, a triple-engine jet that started service 34 years ago with Thai Airways, was transferred to UPS in 2006. The aircraft is smaller than Boeing 747s, which are roughly 76 meters long and have a wingspan of 68 meters. In 2023, FedEx and UPS both announced plans to begin retiring their fleets of MD-11s over the next decade as part of plans to modernize their fleets.
The NTSB's investigative team is scheduled to arrive in Kentucky on Wednesday. The crash site will be 'an ongoing active scene for the next several days', according to Louisville Metro Police Dept Chief Paul Humphrey. The incident has sparked discussion over the safety of air cargo operations and the potential risks associated with large-scale incidents.
UPS has expressed its commitment to the safety of its employees, customers, and communities, and has halted package sorting operations at Worldport on Tuesday night. The incident has also sparked concern over the impact on the local community, with many residents knowing someone who works for the company. The city is a 'UPS town', according to Louisville Metro Council member Betsy Ruhe, and the crash has left many residents worried about the safety of their loved ones who pass through the airport regularly.
