A UPS cargo plane tragically crashed shortly after taking off from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport in Kentucky on Tuesday, resulting in the deaths of at least three individuals and injuring 11 others. The McDonnell Douglas MD-11 aircraft, bound for Honolulu, caught fire and produced thick black smoke as it crashed into nearby businesses, causing extensive damage and triggering a massive emergency response.​

The accident occurred around 5:15 p.m. local time when the plane was struggling to gain altitude. Videos from the scene showed flames engulfing the plane’s left wing and a trail of smoke as it veered off the runway before crashing onto the roof of a petroleum recycling facility and an auto parts store adjacent to the airport. First responders quickly arrived to fight the fire and assist the injured, with some hospitalizations reported as having serious injuries.​

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear expressed grave concern over the casualties, noting that the numbers could rise as rescue efforts continue. A shelter-in-place order was initially issued for a five-mile radius around the airport due to safety concerns from the fire and smoke, which was later reduced as the situation came under control. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched a formal investigation to determine the cause of this devastating crash.​

This incident has disrupted airport operations, with all evening flights canceled and UPS temporarily halting package sorting at its Louisville facility. The MD-11 is a large, three-engine cargo plane with decades of operational history, often utilized for long-haul routes such as this one to Hawaii. Early reports suggest an engine problem may have triggered the crash, but full details await the investigation’s findings.​

Such accidents underscore the risks associated with cargo aviation and the importance of strict maintenance and safety protocols. Though tragic, rapid emergency response helped limit casualties, and ongoing investigations will aim to prevent similar occurrences in the future. For the local community, the incident is a sobering reminder of the vulnerabilities around busy transport hubs and the critical nature of safety in aviation logistics.