UPS Plane Crashes Near Louisville Airport, Killing at Least 9 as Search Continues

A UPS cargo jet crashed shortly after takeoff near Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport on Tuesday evening, killing at least nine people and injuring several others, officials said. The death toll rose Wednesday morning after first responders located additional victims at the scene, and leaders warned the number could increase as search and rescue operations continue. Louisville is home to UPS Worldport, one of the largest air freight hubs in the world, and the crash prompted a wide emergency response, temporary flight suspensions, and shelter in place orders for nearby neighborhoods.

What Happened

UPS Flight 2976 departed Louisville around 5:15 p.m. local time Tuesday bound for Honolulu when it went down roughly three miles south of the airfield, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. Early flight tracking indicated the three engine McDonnell Douglas MD 11 climbed to about 175 feet before descending. Louisville airport public safety officer Jonathan Biven said the jet crashed off airport property, igniting a significant fire visible from the air and surrounding roads.

Rising Death Toll and Ongoing Search

Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg said Wednesday morning that nine victims had been found at the crash site, up from the at least seven reported Tuesday night. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear confirmed the higher toll and cautioned there remains the possibility of more fatalities. The mayor said at least four people were killed on the ground. UPS confirmed three crew members were aboard the aircraft. Officials noted that at least 11 people were injured. As of Wednesday morning, 16 families had reported loved ones unaccounted for, and search teams worked through the night and into the day to locate victims and assess the site.

A Massive Emergency Response

More than 200 first responders converged on the scene, including over 100 firefighters who battled flames and hot spots into Tuesday night. Louisville Fire Chief Brian O’Neill said the MD 11 was carrying about 38,000 gallons of fuel weighing roughly 233,000 pounds, a load that helped drive the size and intensity of the blaze. Crews continued cooling operations and hazard checks overnight to allow investigators safe access at first light.

Early Clues and What Investigators Will Examine

Aerial video captured the aircraft on fire as it rolled down the runway before bursting into flames. Some images suggested the left engine separated during the fire, with debris potentially ingested by another engine. Those details are preliminary and will be assessed by accident investigators. The National Transportation Safety Board will lead the investigation, with the FAA supporting. Teams from both agencies arrived Wednesday morning to begin documenting the wreckage, gathering radar and flight data, and interviewing witnesses and responders.

Airport Impact and Flight Operations

All arriving and departing flights at Louisville were temporarily suspended Tuesday evening, and the airport closed while firefighters and police secured the area. The FAA said the airport reopened Wednesday morning, but several taxiways remained closed as crews continued their work. Travelers were advised to check with airlines for delays or cancellations as operations ramped back up.

Safety Orders for Nearby Neighborhoods and School Closures

Officials issued a shelter in place order for residents within a quarter mile of the crash site due to smoke, debris, and ongoing fire operations. Governor Beshear said there was no hazardous cargo on the aircraft that would pose broader environmental risks, but authorities urged caution around the scene. All schools in Jefferson County Public Schools, the state’s largest district, were closed Wednesday in response to the incident and the continuing emergency.

Debris Reporting and Community Guidance

Residents who discover debris on their property were asked not to touch or move it. The city said a reporting website would go live Wednesday to collect locations and coordinate safe retrieval for investigators. Officials emphasized that even small pieces can be important to the investigation and must be handled by trained teams.

UPS Worldport: A Community on Edge

Louisville’s identity is closely tied to UPS. Worldport, the company’s 5.2 million square foot hub at the airport, processes up to 400,000 packages an hour and supports more than 20,000 local jobs. The facility typically sees over 300 UPS flights a day. Louisville Metro Councilwoman Betsy Ruhe called it “a UPS town,” noting that many families were checking on loved ones who work overnight shifts in and around the hub. “Sadly, some of those texts are probably going to go unanswered,” she said.

Package Sorting and Possible Delivery Delays

UPS paused sorting operations at Worldport Tuesday night and resumed Wednesday morning with modifications. The company said Second Day Air sorting was canceled for the day and those employees should not report to work. Some packages will likely face delays as the investigation proceeds and officials assess any additional operational checks on aircraft. UPS indicated it could charter additional planes to keep freight moving if needed.

The Aircraft and Fleet Transition

According to FAA data, the crashed MD 11 was built in 1991. UPS had planned to operate about 25 MD 11s by the end of the year and is in the process of phasing out the aging three engine jets in favor of newer, more fuel efficient twin engine freighters. The shift reflects industrywide trends toward modern, lower cost fleets with simplified maintenance and fuel profiles.

What Residents and Travelers Should Do Now

People living near the crash area should continue following local guidance, including any shelter in place instructions and road closures. Anyone who finds debris should report it through the city’s portal once available and avoid handling it. Travelers passing through Louisville should monitor airline notifications for schedule changes and give themselves extra time at the airport as taxiway closures may affect gate and runway flows. Families seeking information on unaccounted loved ones should contact city and state hotlines once those numbers are shared by officials.

What Comes Next

The NTSB will conduct a detailed on scene examination, collect flight data and cockpit voice recorders if recoverable, and release a preliminary report typically within weeks. A full factual docket and a final report with probable cause will follow after comprehensive analysis. In the meantime, Louisville’s first responders, UPS, and federal investigators will continue working side by side to secure the area, assist families, and determine what led to the crash.

This is a developing situation. As authorities identify additional victims and learn more about the aircraft’s final moments, the city will update residents on safety measures, debris collection, and support services for affected families and workers.

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This article was written by Hunter and edited with AI Assistance