A UPS cargo plane crashed shortly after departure from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport in Kentucky on Tuesday night, resulting in the confirmed deaths of at least seven persons.
The MD-11F freight airliner caught fire shortly after takeoff at approximately 5:15 p.m. local time (10:15 p.m. GMT), causing enormous plumes of black smoke to billow across the city.
The three crew members on board the UPS cargo plane were likely among the dead, according to Governor Andy Beshear, who verified the deaths.
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At the time of report, 11 other persons reportedly sustained serious injuries, while two workers at a nearby auto repair shop struck by the aircraft were unaccounted for.
Authorities said that the almost 38,000 gallons (144,000 litres) of jet fuel the aircraft was carrying on its 4,300-mile flight to Hawaii were the source of the fire that broke out after the crash.
A brief citywide shelter-in-place order within a five-mile radius was issued after the explosion burned many neighbouring companies, including a petroleum recycling complex. However, as emergency personnel struggled to manage the fire, the order was eventually reduced to one mile.
Louisville Fire Department Chief Brian O’Neal described the scene as “extremely dangerous,” citing the volume of spilled fuel and continuing fire hazards.
“Our teams are working tirelessly to cool down the wreckage and prevent further explosions,” he said.
Due to ongoing rescue efforts and safety concerns, airport officials grounded all departing planes on Tuesday night.
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Governor Beshear warned of lingering dangers and advised locals to avoid the crash area. “Those who have viewed the photos understand how terrible this collision was. Potential explosives and combustible items are still present at the location, he stated.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is expected to arrive in Louisville on Wednesday to begin a full investigation into the cause of the crash.
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