Tragic UPS Plane Crash in Louisville Claims Lives and Shakes Community

Wed Dec 10 2025 10:04:01 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A UPS cargo plane crashed during takeoff from Louisville, Kentucky, leading to multiple fatalities and significant damages in the vicinity. Investigations are underway as families await news about their loved ones.

A UPS cargo plane exploded in a catastrophic incident as it took off from the Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport. At least seven people have been confirmed dead, including four not on board, and eleven others were injured. The crash caused considerable damage in the surrounding area, leading to an ongoing investigation by authorities.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (MetaWorld.Media) — A UPS cargo plane tragically crashed and exploded in a massive fireball while taking off from the company’s global aviation hub in Louisville, Kentucky, resulting in the confirmed deaths of at least seven individuals and injuring eleven others.

The incident occurred at approximately 5:15 p.m. on a Tuesday as the plane was departing for Honolulu from UPS Worldport at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport. Eyewitness video captured the moment flames engulfed the left wing of the aircraft, which briefly ascended before crashing and erupting in a dramatic fireball. Nearby, a building suffered significant damage, with owners describing the aftermath as devastating.

According to Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, the death toll may further increase as authorities continue to assess the situation. Notably, four of the deceased were not on the aircraft, highlighting the far-reaching impact of the disaster. Eleven individuals were reported injured, with some injuries described as “very significant.”

Governor Beshear remarked, “Anyone who has seen the images and video knows just how violent this crash was.” He relayed that the aircraft involved was a McDonnell Douglas MD-11, built in 1991, and expressed concerns over the status of the three crew members on board.

The Louisville International Airport, where UPS’s largest package handling facility operates, halted all package sorting operations following the incident, affecting thousands of workers and requiring thorough safety assessments.

Local officials shared stories of community members desperately reaching for news of their loved ones, reflecting the extensive network of employees tied to UPS. Louisville Metro Council member Betsy Ruhe voiced the anxiety shared among residents: “We all know somebody who works at UPS... Sadly, some of those texts are probably going to go unanswered.”

The investigation into this tragic event has been entrusted to the National Transportation Safety Board, which has deployed a team of 28 individuals to the scene to determine the cause of the crash.

Pablo Rojas, a legal expert in aviation, noted that the aircraft’s firefighting struggles intensified as it was loaded with fuel. “When the fire ignited in that area, it heralded an inevitable explosion,” he stated.

Amidst the chaos, authorities assured that safety protocols would take precedence while the investigation unfolds. The community, shaken by this calamity, continues to confront the emotional toll of the crash as loved ones await news of the injured and deceased.