At least seven people k!lled after UPS cargo plane crash in Kentucky

Tragedy in Louisville: UPS Cargo Plane Crash Claims Lives and Sparks Investigation

A devastating aviation accident occurred on the evening of Tuesday, November 4, 2025, when a UPS cargo plane crashed shortly after takeoff from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport in Kentucky.

The aircraft, identified as UPS Flight 2976, was a McDonnell Douglas MD-11 en route to Honolulu. It went down around 5:15 p.m. while departing from the airport’s West Runway, ultimately crashing approximately three miles south of the airfield.

The crash resulted in a massive fire and multiple explosions, with dramatic footage showing thick black smoke billowing from the site. The plane was carrying roughly 38,000 gallons of fuel, which contributed to the intensity of the blaze. The impact zone included two businesses, a petroleum recycling facility and an auto parts company, raising concerns about the number of people potentially affected.

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear confirmed that at least seven people had died, with the death toll expected to rise. He also reported that at least eleven individuals were injured.

The auto parts business was able to account for all but two of its employees, though uncertainty remains about whether other individuals, such as customers or visitors, were present at the time of the crash.

Emergency services responded swiftly, with Louisville Metro Emergency Services Director Edward Meiman stating that authorities were conducting door-to-door checks to ensure all individuals in the vicinity were accounted for and evacuated. He emphasized the vastness of the crash site and the complexity of the rescue and recovery efforts.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is leading the investigation into the cause of the crash, working alongside local and federal agencies.

The incident has been described by Governor Beshear as a “catastrophic crash,” and the community is grappling with the aftermath of this tragic event.

This tragedy has not only shaken Louisville but also raised broader questions about cargo flight safety and emergency preparedness in industrial zones adjacent to major airports.