A massive fire broke out in a US city today following a UPS cargo plane crash and explosion during takeoff at Muhammad Ali International Airport in Kentucky. The incident resulted in at least nine fatalities and left another 11 individuals with severe injuries. The tragedy occurred when the McDonnell Douglas MD-11 aircraft, manufactured in 1991, caught fire on its left wing around 5:15 pm local time (10 pm GMT) as it was departing for Hawaii from the UPS Worldport facility in Louisville.
Authorities are concerned that the death toll could increase as the investigation into the crash continues. The victims, including four individuals who were not on board the plane, have not been publicly identified. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear mentioned that 16 families have reported missing loved ones following the devastating event.
The cause of the crash remains unknown, prompting investigations by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). Witnesses captured footage showing flames emanating from the plane’s left wing before it crashed and exploded in a fiery blaze. Local residents heard multiple explosions, and some structures, including a fuel recycling business and a car parts business, were damaged by the wreckage.
Aviation expert Pablo Rojas noted that the aircraft seemed to struggle to gain altitude amidst the wing fire, exacerbated by the substantial fuel load on board. The FAA and NTSB are eager to retrieve crucial data from the aircraft’s black box recorder to understand the events leading up to the crash, including the crew’s awareness of the fire.
UPS confirmed that three crew members were on the plane, all of whom are currently unaccounted for. Residents in the vicinity were advised to seek shelter as flames spread. UPS expressed deep sorrow over the incident and assured cooperation with the ongoing investigations by the NTSB and FAA. The company emphasized its commitment to safety and pledged to collaborate with local authorities on response efforts.