At Least 9 People Killed, Death Toll Expected To Rise After UPS Plane Crashes In Massive Fireball

At least nine people are dead, 11 are injured, and another 16 people are missing after a UPS plane crashed near the Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport in Kentucky on Tuesday evening.

The plane that went down was a McDonnell Douglas MD-11, CBS Louisville affiliate WLKY reported. Companies like UPS and FedEx primarily fly those aircraft to transport cargo. UPS issued a statement confirming that the crash occurred at approximately 5:20 p.m., adding that three crew members were onboard. They are believed to be dead.

Kentucky Democratic Governor Andy Beshear said at a news conference Tuesday evening that the death count could rise due to some of the wounded having “very significant” injuries. Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg also said that the number of dead is expected to “continue to rise.”

Multiple businesses were hit by the plane when it crashed to the ground, including a recycling plant and an auto parts shop, CNN reported. The crash resulted in a “secondary explosion” at the recycling plant, which contained tanks of propane and oil.

Videos posted on social media showed a massive explosion after the crash, with plumes of smoke rising into the air. Officials issued a shelter-in-place order for people within a five-mile radius of the airport after the crash. That shelter-in-place order remains in effect for those within a one-mile radius of the airport, forcing some schools in the area to cancel classes on Wednesday.

Since the plane was on a long trip to Hawaii, it was fully fueled. The fire following the crash quickly spread to nearby buildings.

CCTV captures UPS flight UPS2976 crashing shortly after departing Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport. pic.twitter.com/9WyrcpSkdd

— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) November 4, 2025

JUST IN: Crews are responding to a plane crash near the Louisville airport, and police say there are injuries.https://t.co/NIg5UOSVoo pic.twitter.com/i2BLFYKEFx

— WLKY (@WLKY) November 4, 2025

The UPS plane was departing for Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. Other videos circulating on social media appear to show the left wing of the MD-11 catching fire as it cruises down the runway before takeoff. One of the plane’s engines was found on the ground mostly intact, which will likely help investigators determine what led to the crash.

Video circulating now online shows the moments the UPS MD-11 crashed near the #Louisville airport.

It looks like there may have been an engine fire but the plane was likely past the point of no return and could not abort the take off in time.@KHOU pic.twitter.com/7yz1Wf3X7E

— Pat Cavlin (@pcavlin) November 4, 2025

“Heartbreaking images coming out of Kentucky tonight,” said Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy. “Please join me in prayer for the Louisville community and flight crew impacted by this horrific crash. The @NTSB and @FAANews are mobilizing to get on the ground and will lead the investigation.”

Heartbreaking images coming out of Kentucky tonight.

Here’s an update from @FAANews
– UPS cargo flight 2976
– Crashed around 5:15 ET after takeoff from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport en route to Honolulu
– The aircraft was a McDonnell Douglas MD-11.

Please… pic.twitter.com/yE1Brhv8cQ

— Secretary Sean Duffy (@SecDuffy) November 4, 2025

The Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport serves as UPS’s worldwide air hub, with around 300 UPS flights taking off and landing there every day.

This is a developing story; refresh the page for updates.