At least 7 dead in “catastrophic” UPS Airlines plane crash near Kentucky airport

A tragedy unfolded on Tuesday, 4 November 2025, when a McDonnell Douglas MD‑11F cargo plane operated by UPS Airlines crashed shortly after take-off from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport in Kentucky.

What happened

The flight, designated UPS Flight 2976, was bound for Honolulu when the aircraft lifted off at around 5:15 p.m. local time and rapidly deteriorated.

Video and eyewitness footage showed flames emerging from the left side of the aircraft near an engine during its ascent, followed by a sharp descent into nearby industrial buildings.

The crash impacted the ground beyond the runway, causing fires in two businesses, debris scattered across runways, and massive black smoke visible for miles.

Casualties

Officials have confirmed at least seven people killed, including the three crew onboard and at least four people on the ground.

Eleven people injured, some with very serious injuries. Many of them are ground victims, including workers in the nearby industrial area.

Authorities have warned the death toll may rise, as the scene remains active and some individuals remain unaccounted for.

Response & context

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have launched a full investigation into the cause of the crash. Early clues point to engine departure/failure.

The airport and local authorities implemented a shelter-in-place order within a 5-mile radius and closed the facility through the night.

The crash struck at a critical hub for UPS — their “Worldport” centre in Louisville, which means the incident may have significant implications for the company and the local economy.

Significance

This crash highlights the risks inherent in air cargo operations, especially when large quantities of fuel and heavy aircraft are involved. The fact that the destruction spread to ground-level businesses underscores how the impact of aviation accidents is often community-wide, not just limited to the flight itself.