UPS Cargo Plane Crashes Near Louisville Airport, Killing at Least Three

A UPS cargo plane crashed Tuesday near Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF) in Kentucky, killing at least three people and injuring at least 11 others, authorities confirmed.

UPS Flight 2976, carrying three crew members, went down at approximately 5:14 p.m. ET, striking the roof of the Kentucky Petroleum Recycling building shortly after taking off from SDF, Governor Andy Beshear said during a news conference.

At least two employees from a nearby business, Grade A Auto Parts, remain unaccounted for. Beshear described the crash as “catastrophic.”

The McDonnell Douglas MD-11, bound for Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu, was loaded with 280,000 gallons of fuel at the time of the incident, causing a massive fireball explosion, according to Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg.

Emergency services from the Louisville Metro Police Department and other agencies responded immediately. The crash occurred near the UPS Worldport hub.

“This is an active scene with fire and debris. Stay away,” police wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

UPS, in a statement, said it had not yet confirmed fatalities or injuries. Beshear also noted that there was no hazardous cargo on board that would pose an environmental threat.

Authorities issued an emergency shelter-in-place alert for areas near the Outer Loop northbound to the Ohio River. Residents were advised to turn off air intake systems immediately. A victim reunification site has been set up, and chaplains are on hand to assist.

All arrivals and departures at SDF have been temporarily suspended, and the airfield remains closed.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will investigate, with the NTSB taking the lead.

Eyewitness Accounts and Community Response

Anna McMullen, who lives seven minutes from the airport, told FOX Business that her husband called her, thinking “something was burning” downtown.

“All you could see in the sky around the airport was black smoke in billows,” she said. “I heard explosions, and they are still going off, which means the plane could have hit the petroleum supply tanks.”

Official Statements

Governor Beshear said on social media:

“Kentucky, we are aware of a reported plane crash near Louisville International Airport. First responders are onsite, and we will share more information as available. Please pray for the pilots, crew, and everyone affected.”

Mayor Greenberg added:

“Please join Rachel and me in praying for the crew of UPS Flight 2976. This is an incredible tragedy that our community will never forget. We are so thankful for our brave first responders who have flooded the scene to help try and control the fire and provide support for any victims on the ground.”

This tragic crash has left the community in shock as emergency crews continue to respond and assess the scene. Authorities are urging residents to remain in place and avoid the area while the situation remains active.