A large UPS cargo plane crashed Tuesday during takeoff from Louisville’s Muhammad Ali International Airport, sparking a massive fire on the ground, officials said. The Federal Aviation Administration said the plane went down around 5:15 p.m. while departing for Honolulu.
“UPS Flight 2976 crashed at approximately 5:15 p.m. local time,” the FAA said in a statement. She also identified the plane as a McDonnell Douglas MD-11 departing from eastern Kentucky bound for Hawaii.
At least three crew members were on board the cargo plane that crashed on takeoff.
Police responded to reports of a plane crash near Louisville International Airport. Injuries were reported, the Louisville Metro Police Department said in a social media post.
Photos on social media showed a large plume of black smoke rising into the sky.
The Louisville Police Department on X said there was fire and debris and asked people to stay away.
Louisville Metro Emergency Services said the shelter-in-place order has been extended to all areas north of the airport to the Ohio River.
Video from the television station showed a large trail of flames and a plume of smoke rising from the parking lot as fire engines tried to extinguish the fire.
McDonnell Douglas MD-11 aircraft owned by UPS was manufactured in 1991.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear said in a post on X that he was aware of the reports.
“First responders are on the scene and we will share more information as it becomes available,” he said. “Please pray for the pilots, crew and all affected. We will share more soon.”
