A chilling video has surfaced online showing the moment a United States UPS cargo jet burst into flames and crashed immediately after takeoff from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport on Tuesday evening, killing at least seven people and injuring several others.
The aircraft — a McDonnell Douglas MD-11 operating as UPS Flight 2976 — was en route to Honolulu, Hawaii, when it went down moments after departure.
The viral video, reportedly recorded by airport workers, shows the plane engulfed in flames as it rolled down the runway before exploding into a massive fireball, sending thick black smoke into the sky. Other footage captured the jet tearing through nearby buildings close to the airport.
In a statement, UPS confirmed the tragic incident, saying the cargo jet crashed shortly after takeoff with three crew members onboard.
“At approximately 5:20 p.m. ET, UPS Flight 2976 from Louisville to Honolulu, an MD-11 with three crew members onboard, was involved in an accident in Louisville,” the company said.
“At this time, we have not confirmed any injuries or casualties. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will lead the investigation.”
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that the crash occurred at around 5:15 p.m. local time, moments after the aircraft departed from Louisville. Both the FAA and NTSB emphasized that the information remains preliminary pending investigation results.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear later told reporters that seven people were believed to have died in the crash, including four individuals on the ground, while 11 others sustained injuries. Louisville Mayor Craig Greenbergdescribed the incident as “a devastating tragedy for our city.”
Authorities urged residents to stay away from the scene, describing it as an “active area with fire and debris.”
Louisville Metro Police spokesperson Matt Sanders confirmed the presence of extensive wreckage and over 20 emergency calls linked to the crash.
Flight-tracking data from FlightRadar24 identified the aircraft as a 34-year-old McDonnell Douglas MD-11F, registered N259UP, which was converted to cargo use and entered UPS service in 2006.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has assumed control of the investigation, while the FAA continues to provide technical assistance. The crash has reignited discussions over aviation safety standards and maintenance practices within the cargo airline industry.
— Voice of the People (VOP)
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