An expert has raised concerns that a dislodged engine may have led to the fiery crash of a UPS cargo plane on Tuesday, resulting in the tragic deaths of at least nine individuals.

The grim possibility of a higher death toll looms, as Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear revealed that 16 families have reported missing loved ones following the incident.

The Boeing MD-11 aircraft erupted into flames shortly after taking off from Louisville’s Muhammad Ali International Airport in Kentucky, late Tuesday night.

In an interview with CNN, Mary Schiavo, a former Inspector General for the Department of Transportation, suggested that the engine may have detached prior to the explosion.

“You can observe that there was a fire on the left wing, and it appears the engine separated from the aircraft before the final impact and subsequent fireball,” Schiavo explained.

“In many similar incidents I’ve investigated, particularly during takeoff, we often see what’s termed an ‘uncontained engine failure,’ where the engine disperses parts uncontrollably,” she added.

‘They expel from that engine, and the centrifugal force from the engines, the blades spinning, and they can cut through the plane and cut fuel lines. 

‘It appears that fuel tank was ruptured and that would explain the fireball,’ she added. Investigators are still working the scene and will make the final determination.

Images have also emerged online of what appears to be an engine on the runway of the airport following the incident. 

The cargo plane, a Boeing MD-11, burst into flames shortly after departing from the Louisville airport on Tuesday 

What appears to be a plane engine is seen here lying on the runway following the horrifying crash on Tuesday night 

Schiavo said the engine on the ground would help investigators figure out what went wrong. 

She said: ‘That’s a huge clue and does give the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) a pretty good idea of what started this all off.’

Schiavo, seen here, said she believed an engine had detached from the jet causing the crash

Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg confirmed on Wednesday morning that the death toll had risen again to nine. 

‘First responders are on the scene now that it’s daylight again. The coroner has been working through the night and is there. NTSB will be arriving shortly in Louisville,’ he told CNN.

Terrifying video shared to social media showed the aircraft attempting to take off with a ball of fire emanating from its left wing. Just moments later, the plane exploded. 

Dashcam footage also showed the plane crashing back into the runway, leaving a blaze in its wake.

It struck two local businesses – Kentucky Petroleum Recycling and Grade A Autoparts, which Governor Beshear said accounted for all of its employees except for two, who were found later on.

There were three crew members onboard the flight at the time, UPS officials have confirmed. 

Four of the people killed were on the ground, Louisville Fire Chief Brian O’Neill said. The victims have not been identified. 

It is unclear whether the additional fatalities were members of the crew or people on the ground.

Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg confirmed on Wednesday morning that the death toll had rose again to 9 

Beshear is expected to provide an update on the investigation later on Wednesday morning. 

In a post to his X, he added: ‘This is going to be a tough day for Kentucky after yesterday’s deadly plane crash.’

The Louisville airport shut down after the crash but began to resume operations Wednesday morning. 

Flights canceled Tuesday were prioritized for departure, although some Wednesday flights remained grounded.