A UPS MD-11 cargo plane crashed shortly after taking off from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, unleashing a fiery explosion that killed seven and injured eleven others.
The aircraft, operating as Flight 2976 to Honolulu, went down at approximately 5:15 PM on November 4, 2025. Witnesses heard the crew’s urgent “Mayday, engine fire!” call moments before the jet slammed into warehouses along Grade Lane. Carrying nearly 38,000 gallons of jet fuel, the plane ignited a massive blaze and sent thick black smoke billowing across the city.
Governor Andy Beshear confirmed the fatalities and cautioned that the death toll could rise. Emergency teams continue searching for two missing individuals. Authorities sealed off the crash site near UPS’s Worldport Hub and instructed nearby residents to shelter in place.
The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board launched a joint investigation. Early findings point to a catastrophic engine failure shortly after liftoff. Investigators are examining flight data and maintenance records to determine the exact cause.
UPS expressed deep sorrow and pledged full cooperation with the investigation. The company confirmed that all three crew members aboard the aircraft died in the crash.
Officials closed Louisville’s airport to assess structural damage and ensure public safety. The incident disrupted operations at one of the world’s busiest cargo hubs and left the local community in shock.
ALSO READ: CM Majhi Unveils ₹46,000 Crore Maritime Vision at Paradip
