UPS Cargo Jet Crashes After Louisville Takeoff, Ignites Massive Fire

Overview

• The MD-11 operating UPS Flight 2976 to Honolulu went down moments after departure, reaching about 175 feet before crashing, according to preliminary FlightRadar24 data.
• UPS said three crew members were aboard, while the Kentucky governor reported multiple deaths and at least 11 injuries, figures that remain unconfirmed by the company.
• Flames and a dense smoke column rose from commercial areas near Fern Valley Road and Grade Lane as firefighters worked to contain the blaze.
• Louisville’s airport halted arrivals and departures and authorities urged people to avoid the area, with shelter-in-place advisories issued north of the airfield.
• The FAA and NTSB have opened a joint investigation into the accident, and UPS paused package sorting at its Louisville hub.