A devastating plane crash has unfolded in Kentucky, with a cargo plane carrying a substantial amount of fuel meeting a fiery end. The incident has left several injured, and the aftermath continues to burn.
Live Updates:
Flight Suspension: Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport has temporarily halted all flights. The airport's official statement on X confirms the suspension, urging passengers to monitor flight status via airline websites or apps for further updates.
Mayor's Response: Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg describes the crash as an "incredible tragedy" that will forever be etched in the community's memory. He expresses gratitude for the brave first responders who rushed to the scene to control the fire and provide support to victims.
Aging Aircraft: The crashed plane, an MD-11F, was 34 years old. Originally serving with Thai Airways in 1991, it was transferred to UPS in 2006. For context, an MD-11 is slightly over 61 meters long with a wingspan of 52 meters, shorter and narrower than a Boeing 747.
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Mayor's Update: Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg confirms multiple injuries and an ongoing fire. He will brief the public alongside Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear soon, providing more details as they emerge. Greenberg's statement emphasizes the need for emergency response and urges residents to avoid the crash site due to road closures.
Governor's Appeal: Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear asks residents to pray for the pilots, crew, and all affected by the crash. In a social media post, he expresses his concern and promises to share more information soon.
Video Evidence: Footage from near the crash site captures massive plumes of smoke rising into the sky. The video offers a glimpse of the scale and intensity of the incident.
Crew Details: UPS confirms that UPS Flight 2976 had three crew members on board. The company has not yet confirmed injuries or casualties.
Firefighters in Action: We have obtained video of firefighters tackling a massive blaze near Louisville International Airport. Thick smoke billows into the air, a stark reminder of the ongoing emergency.
Aircraft Identification: UPS Flight 2976 was a McDonnell Douglas MD-11 aircraft, en route from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport to Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu, Hawaii. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is leading the investigation, providing updates as they become available.
Shelter in Place: Police have issued a shelter-in-place order for a 5-mile radius around the airport, a critical measure to ensure public safety.
FAA Confirmation: The US Federal Aviation Administration confirms that UPS Flight 2976 crashed at approximately 17:15 local time (22:15 GMT) shortly after departing Louisville International Airport. Flight monitoring sites indicate the flight's destination as Honolulu, Hawaii.
UPS Response: UPS has acknowledged an incident involving one of its aircraft at Louisville International Airport. The Louisville Metro Police Department reports injuries at the scene.
Airport Closure: Louisville International Airport has closed its airfield, as per an official statement on X. Social media footage appears to show thick smoke rising from the airport, which we are working to verify.
Breaking News: A plane crash has been reported near Louisville International Airport in Kentucky. First responders are on the scene, and this developing story will be updated as more information becomes available.
