A cargo plane carrying a significant amount of fuel has crashed in Kentucky, resulting in multiple injuries and ongoing fires. The incident has sparked concern and prompted a series of updates and statements from various authorities.
Louisville Airport Suspends All Flights: The Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport has temporarily halted all flights, urging passengers to monitor their flight status through their airline's website or mobile app for updates.
Mayor's Statement: Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg described the crash as an 'incredible tragedy' and expressed gratitude for the swift response of first responders. He emphasized the ongoing efforts to control the fire and provide support to victims.
Aging Aircraft: The crashed plane, a McDonnell Douglas MD-11, was 34 years old. It was part of UPS's fleet, which plans to phase out these aircraft over the next decade.
UPS's Retirement Plan: UPS had intended to retire the MD-11F, a large freight plane, over the next decade due to the growing need for long-haul cargo transport. This aligns with FedEx's similar plans announced in 2023.
Fire and Injuries: Mayor Greenberg confirmed multiple injuries and stated that the fire is still burning. He also mentioned the road closures in the area and the upcoming briefing with Governor Beshear.
Governor's Appeal for Prayers: Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear requested residents to pray for the pilots, crew, and all those affected by the crash.
Visual Evidence: Videos captured near the crash site show massive plumes of smoke rising from the scene, providing a stark visual reminder of the incident's impact.
Crew Information: UPS confirmed that there were three crew members on board Flight 2976 at the time of the crash.
Firefighting Efforts: Aerial footage shows firefighters battling a large blaze and thick smoke near the Louisville International Airport.
Crashed Aircraft Details: The McDonnell Douglas MD-11 aircraft was traveling from Louisville to Honolulu, Hawaii, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Shelter in Place Order: Police issued a shelter-in-place order for a 5-mile radius around the airport, ensuring the safety of nearby residents.
FAA Confirmation: The US Federal Aviation Administration confirmed the crash of UPS Flight 2976, which departed from Louisville International Airport around 17:15 local time.
UPS's Statement: UPS acknowledged the incident and reported injuries at the scene, as confirmed by the Louisville Metro Police Department.
Airport Closure: The Louisville International Airport's airfield was closed due to the crash, and social media videos showed thick smoke rising from the airport.
Governor's Statement: The Kentucky governor confirmed the crash and assured residents that first responders are on the scene, emphasizing the ongoing efforts to address the situation.
