At Least Nine Killed in UPS Cargo Plane Crash Near Louisville Airport, More Feared Missing

At least nine people have been confirmed dead after a UPS cargo plane crashed shortly after takeoff from the Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport in Kentucky, with authorities warning that the death toll could rise as search operations continue.

The McDonnell Douglas MD-11 aircraft, which was en route to Hawaii, crashed at about 5:15pm on Tuesday (local time), slamming into nearby commercial buildings and erupting into flames. Thick smoke and fire were seen billowing from the crash site, located near businesses just south of the airport.

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear described the incident as “heartbreaking” and “unimaginable”, revealing that families are still searching for information about missing loved ones.

“The number of those lost has now risen to at least nine, with the possibility of more,” the governor wrote on X. He added that 16 families had reported relatives unaccounted for. “Right now, these families need prayers, love and support.”

Emergency crews worked through the night in what officials called a “significant” search and rescue operation. Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg confirmed early Wednesday that flights had resumed at the airport, even as the investigation continued.

UPS stated that three crew members were aboard the cargo jet but said it had not yet confirmed casualties. The company temporarily suspended sorting operations at its Worldport global hub, which is located in Louisville and is one of its busiest logistics centers.

Local media footage showed the plane’s left engine burning during takeoff. Officials said the aircraft went down roughly five kilometers south of the runway. Aerial images from the scene revealed widespread wreckage and heavy fire damage, with firefighters seen battling flames at what authorities described as a petroleum recycling facility struck “directly” by the aircraft.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched an investigation into the cause of the crash.

The incident comes amid a prolonged U.S. government shutdown that has impacted key aviation services. Earlier on Tuesday, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned of potential disruption due to shortages of air traffic controllers.

The crash is believed to be the deadliest in UPS’s operational history. The company operates a fleet of more than 500 aircraft serving over 200 countries.

Investigations are ongoing.