At least three people are confirmed dead, and 11 others are injured after a UPS cargo plane crashed during takeoff at Louisville International Airport in Kentucky. The crash occurred around 5:15 p.m. local time on Tuesday, as the plane was en route to Honolulu. A massive fire erupted, leaving a thick plume of black smoke over the area. Video footage captured flames on the plane's left wing. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear confirmed the tragic loss of life, stating that the death toll could rise. 'We believe we have at least three fatalities, and I believe that number will increase,' he said during a press briefing. The Louisville airport, home to UPS Worldport, a major global hub for UPS's air cargo operations, has been closed to all airfield activities. This crash will undoubtedly disrupt deliveries for UPS and its major clients, including Amazon and the United States Postal Service. Mayor Craig Greenberg expressed extreme concern, mentioning the potential presence of approximately 1,059 kiloliters of fuel on the plane, which poses significant risks. The affected MD-11 freighter, which began operations with UPS in 2006, had a 34-year history, according to FAA records. Boeing, the owner of the MD-11 program, declined to comment. The flight from Louisville to Honolulu typically takes around eight and a half hours, as per FlightRadar24. The incident has led to the cancellation of all flights scheduled for Tuesday at the airport. This tragic event highlights the potential risks associated with air cargo operations and the importance of thorough safety investigations.
