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12 Dead As UPS Cargo Plane Crashes In Kentucky
A United Parcel Service (UPS) cargo aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport in Kentucky on November 4, killing at least 12 people and injuring several others. The aircraft, identified as a McDonnell Douglas MD-11F, was on its way to Honolulu when it suffered what investigators describe as a “catastrophic mechanical failure” shortly after becoming airborne.
Crash Site And Immediate Response
The plane went down near an industrial zone close to the airport, hitting a petroleum recycling facility and an auto parts scrapyard, triggering a massive fire that sent thick smoke billowing over the city. Emergency responders arrived within minutes, battling intense flames for hours before bringing the fire under control. Officials confirmed that all three crew members on board were killed along with multiple people on the ground. Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg said recovery teams were still working to identify victims and ensure that all hazardous materials were contained.
Investigation Underway
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have begun a detailed investigation into the crash. Preliminary evidence suggests that the aircraft’s left engine detached during takeoff, possibly igniting a fire that spread to the wing and fuselage. Both the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder have been recovered and sent to Washington D.C. for analysis.
Impact On Operations
UPS temporarily suspended operations at its Louisville air hub, one of its largest global sorting centers, to support the investigation and ensure safety inspections. The airport has since resumed limited flight operations, though the affected runway remains closed. Local authorities have urged residents to avoid the area until cleanup and recovery efforts conclude.
