Nine Dead After UPS Cargo Plane Crashes and Explodes in Louisville

At least nine people were killed and 11 others injured after a UPS cargo plane crashed and exploded shortly after takeoff from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport on Tuesday evening, officials confirmed.

The aircraft, identified as a McDonnell Douglas MD-11, was bound for Honolulu when it went down around 5:15 p.m. local time, igniting a massive fireball and sending thick black smoke over the city’s industrial corridor. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear called it a “catastrophic event,” warning that the death toll could rise as emergency crews continue to search the site.

"More heartbreaking news out of Louisville. The number of those lost has now risen to at least 9, with the possibility of more," Beshear wrote on X. "Right now these families need prayers, love and support. Let’s wrap our arms around them during this unimaginable time."

Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg confirmed on Wednesday that “responders have located 9 victims at the site of the UPS crash.” He said rescue teams were still determining how many of the dead were on the plane versus on the ground.

The plane had three crew members aboard, none of whom survived, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Officials said the crash set off multiple fires, destroying nearby businesses including an auto shop and a petroleum recycling facility.

The plane was carrying 38,000 gallons of fuel, which fueled the explosion and caused what Louisville Fire Chief Brian O’Neal described as a “very dangerous situation.” A shelter-in-place order was issued within five miles of the airport due to fears of further explosions and air pollution but was later reduced to a one-mile radius as crews worked to contain the blaze.

Beshear urged residents to stay away from the crash site. “Anyone who has seen the images and the video knows how violent this crash is,” he said. “There are still dangerous things that are flammable, that are potentially explosive.”

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the investigation and was expected to arrive Wednesday. Early video footage suggested one of the plane’s engines may have separated before impact, but officials have not confirmed any cause. Aviation expert John Cox said, “It’s too big a fire for a normal, typical-engine fire… That airplane should have flown on two engines. So now we’ve got to look at what caused it not to fly.”

The MD-11 model has been in service for 34 years and was transferred to UPS in 2006. Boeing, which now owns McDonnell Douglas, said it is “ready to support our customer” and that “our concern is for the safety and well-being of all those affected.”

The crash temporarily shut down Louisville’s airport, home to UPS Worldport, the company’s largest global air hub. Flights resumed Wednesday morning, though delays were expected. In a statement, UPS said it was “terribly saddened” by the loss.

“Our heartfelt thoughts are with everyone involved,” the company said. “UPS is committed to the safety of our employees, our customers and the communities we serve. This is particularly true in Louisville, home to our airline and thousands of UPSers.”

Louisville Metro Council member Betsy Ruhe described the tragedy as deeply personal for the city. “My heart goes out to everybody at UPS, because this is a UPS town,” she said. “We all know somebody who works at UPS, and they're all texting their friends, their family, trying to make sure everyone is safe. Sadly, some of those texts are probably going to go unanswered.”