At least seven killed and 11 injured in US cargo plane crash - with firefighters working to tackle huge blaze
The UPS McDonnell Douglas MD-11 aircraft, crashed shortly after takeoff at the Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport
At least seven people have been killed and 11 are injured after a cargo plane crashed near a US airport - with authorities warning both figures are set to rise.
Listen to this article
A huge blaze is still raging in Louisville, Kentucky, after UPS Flight 2976 crashed shortly after taking off on Tuesday evening with firefighters still working to contain the inferno.
Speaking at a news conference after the crash, Kentucky's governor Andy Beshear confirmed that seven people have been confirmed dead.
Of the 11 people hurt, Beshear confirmed that some suffered "very significant" injuries.
Authorities have stressed that both figures are due to rise.
The plane, a UPS McDonnell Douglas MD-11, crashed shortly after takeoff at the Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport and was bound for Honolulu in Hawaii.
Beshear said that while the plane was not carrying hazardous cargo, the crash site includes a petroleum recycling business which could exacerbate the blaze.
Video of what’s reported to be a UPS cargo plane crashing near Muhammad Ali airport in Louisville, Kentucky about an half hour ago pic.twitter.com/jo14QiWHum
— Kristi Yamaguccimane (@TheWapplehouse) November 4, 2025
The US Federal Aviation Authority confirmed that UPS Flight 2976 crashed at around 5.15pm local time (10.15pm GMT).
Footage from the crash posted on social media showed a huge fireball in the immediate aftermath of the crash.
The airport has confirmed that all flights have been halted.
In a post on X, airport authorities said: "At this time, all arriving and departing flights at SDF are temporarily suspended and the airfield is closed.
"Passengers should closely monitor their flight status via their airline’s website or mobile app. All additional updates will be shared to this official account as available."
Louisville's mayor Craig Greenberg confirmed the fire was still burning at around 7pm local time (12am GMT) due to the 38,000 gallons of aviation fuel on board the aircraft.
He wrote on X: "Rachel and I are praying for victims of the UPS plane that crashed during takeoff at 5:15 p.m. We have every emergency agency responding to the scene.
"There are multiple injuries and the fire is still burning. There are many road closures in the area – please avoid the scene."
Kentucky, we are aware of a reported plane crash near Louisville International Airport. First responders are onsite, and we will share more information as available. Please pray for the pilots, crew and everyone affected. We will share more soon.
— Governor Andy Beshear (@GovAndyBeshear) November 4, 2025
He later said: "The situation is serious. Please pray for the families affected. I’m headed to Louisville now."
Several buildings are on fire and a "shelter in place" order has been put in place for a one-mile radius around the airport.
“This is an active scene with fire and debris,” Louisville Metro Police Department said in a statement. “Stay away.”