Tragic Kentucky Plane Crash Claims 7 Lives, Leaves 11 Injured...

Tragedy struck near Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport on Tuesday evening when a UPS cargo plane crashed shortly after takeoff, resulting in the deaths of seven individuals.

Governor Andy Beshear has warned that the death toll may rise. Currently, eleven people are injured, with several in critical condition, receiving medical care at local hospitals.

In a social media update late Tuesday night, Governor Beshear confirmed the casualties and announced the deployment of air quality monitoring resources to the crash site.

“Please, keep the affected families, Louisville, and all of Kentucky in your thoughts and prayers. We are experiencing deep sorrow following a day of immense tragedy,” Beshear expressed.

Where did UPS plane crash in Louisville?

The governor identified that the plane impacted two main businesses: Kentucky Petroleum Recycling and Grade A Auto Parts. He acknowledged that additional businesses have likely been affected by the crash.

The plane crashed near Fern Valley and Grade Lane, just south of the airport, which has since been closed. Large fireballs exploded into the air, and smoke billowed from the scene due to the approximately 38,000 gallons of fuel on board for the flight to Hawaii.

UPS issued a statement confirming three crew members were on board the craft. The status of the crew is currently unknown.

In a later statement, UPS said it is “terribly saddened” by the accident and is working with the NTSB and FAA.

“We will work tirelessly with state and local authorities on response efforts. As a result of the accident, we are halting package sorting operations tonight at Worldport. Family members seeking information should call 800-631-0604,” the company added.

NTSB leading Louisville plane crash investigation

The National Transport Safety Board is heading up the investigation. The cause of the crash has not yet been announced.

An emergency stay-at-home order has been issued for all areas north of the airport to the Ohio River. The FAA released a statement with further details on the crash: “UPS Flight 2976 crashed around 5:15 p.m. local time on Tuesday, Nov. 4, after departing from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport in Kentucky.

“The McDonnell Douglas MD-11 was headed to Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu. The FAA and NTSB will investigate.”

The fire is still burning, and authorities have urged the public to stay away from the scene. A shelter-in-place order is enforced within a mile of Louisville International Airport.

Louisville citizens asked to avoid crash site

No hazardous cargo was on board the plane that would cause further environmental issues. Louisville Metro Police Department Chief Paul Humphrey said it is unclear when the crash site will be safe.

“This will be an ongoing active scene for the next several days,” Humprey said. “We don’t know how long it’s going to take to render that scene safe for the investigation to take place.”

Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg said late Tuesday night that more than 100 firefighters are on the scene and it is being actively searched.

The University of Louisville announced all evening classes have been canceled amid the shelter-in-place order. All Jefferson County Public Schools will also be closed Wednesday, which includes all athletics and extracurricular activities.

This is a developing news story and will be updated. Download our app for 24/7 fact-based unbiased coverage.

Tragic Kentucky Plane Crash Claims 7 Lives, Leaves 11 Injured: Latest Updates & Details

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