The plane crash at Louisville’s Muhammad Ali International Airport has left the community in shock, after a UPS plane crash resulted in seven confirmed deaths and emergency response teams working through the night. The aircraft, a UPS McDonnell Douglas MD-11, was bound for Hawaii before it went down shortly after takeoff.
Incident Overview
According to officials, calls reporting the crash came in around 5:14 PM near Fern Valley and Grade Lane. A massive fire erupted upon impact, prompting emergency crews from across Kentucky to respond.
The FAA confirmed that the UPS flight was heading to Honolulu and that the NTSB will lead the investigation into the cause of the crash.
Residents within a one-mile radius were placed under a shelter-in-place order due to heavy smoke and airborne debris.
Key Facts About the UPS Plane Crash
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Airline | UPS Airlines |
| Aircraft Model | McDonnell Douglas MD-11 |
| Departure Airport | Louisville Muhammad Ali International (SDF) |
| Destination | Honolulu, Hawaii |
| Time of Crash | ~5:14 PM, Tuesday |
| Confirmed Fatalities | 7 (expected to rise) |
| Investigating Agency | NTSB (with FAA support) |
| Cause of Crash | Not yet determined |
What Officials Have Said So Far
The FAA confirmed the crash and stated that updates will come from the NTSB, who are now en route to Kentucky to lead the investigation.
UPS released a statement expressing condolences and confirming that operations at Worldport have been halted for the night:
“We are terribly saddened by the accident tonight in Louisville. Our heartfelt thoughts are with everyone involved… We will work with authorities in every way possible.”
Governor Andy Beshear later confirmed the death toll has risen to seven, including three UPS crew members.
Emergency Response and Community Impact
More than 100 firefighters responded to the scene. The blaze was intense due to the plane carrying 280,000 gallons of fuel.
Authorities emphasized safety concerns regarding debris:
- Do not touch or move debris found in yards or streets.
- Report debris through the Louisville Metro Government website.
Local health officials advised residents in the affected radius to:
- Stay indoors
- Turn off HVAC or air intake systems
- Avoid outdoor exposure due to smoke
Closures and Travel Impact
- All flights in and out of Louisville (SDF) were temporarily suspended.
- JCPS schools announced closures and canceled all activities.
- Multiple area roads remain closed indefinitely.
Families searching for loved ones are being directed to the Family Reunification Center at:
LMPD Training Facility, 2911 Taylor Blvd.
Hospitals are not handling reunification and asked families not to come to emergency rooms.
Community Reaction
Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg stated:
“Rachel and I are praying for the victims. Every emergency agency is responding. There are multiple injuries, and the fire is still burning. Please avoid the scene.”
Residents near the area described the crash as a “fireball”, with some reporting cargo debris, including Hawaii-bound clothing, scattered across neighborhoods.
FAQs: Plane Crash Information
1. What caused the UPS plane crash?
The cause is not yet known. The NTSB is investigating and will release findings.
2. How many people were on board?
UPS confirmed three crew members, all presumed dead.
3. Why was shelter-in-place ordered?
To protect residents from smoke, fuel fumes, and debris particles.
4. Is the airport open now?
Arrivals and departures were temporarily suspended and may reopen after safety clearance.
5. What should I do if I find plane debris near my home?
Do NOT touch it. Report it to the city via the Louisville Metro Government debris reporting system.
Final Thoughts
This UPS plane crash is a devastating tragedy for the families affected and the Louisville community. As investigators work to determine the cause, support services, counseling, and community assistance efforts are being expanded. More updates are expected in the coming days.
Credit: Information sourced from WAVE News, FAA, NTSB, and UPS public statements (2025).
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