At least 12 killed by UPS plane crash; 9 still unaccounted for
Officials are investigating a major plane crash near UPS Worldport in Louisville. A UPS cargo aircraft crashed at Louisville International Airport on Tuesday, setting off a large explosion and a massive fire accompanied by thick smoke.
By Wednesday morning, at least twelve fatalities were confirmed, with several injured and nine people still missing. Thirteen patients have been released from UofL Health, while two remain in critical condition in intensive care.
Mayor Craig Greenberg stated that among the deceased were the three crew members on board. One of the victims is believed to be a young child.
The MD-11 cargo plane, built in the early 1990s and aged 34 years, came down around 5:15 p.m. during takeoff from SDF, en route to Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu, Hawaii. The aircraft’s engine was removed from the site the following day for analysis.
The aftermath of the crash was described as apocalyptic. The aircraft, fully fueled for its transpacific flight with about 38,000 gallons of fuel, caused a severe fire that spread to nearby facilities, including a large recycling center.
Although no one is reported trapped, numerous emergency teams responded, and nearby buildings continue to be searched. Over 100 first responders worked for more than six hours to bring the fires under control, which were extinguished by 11 p.m. Tuesday night.
Author’s Summary
A fully fueled UPS MD-11 cargo plane crashed at Louisville Airport, killing twelve, injuring several, and igniting a major fire that took hours for over a hundred responders to contain.