Tragedy Strikes — UPS Plane Crash in Louisville Leaves Dozens Dead and Missing
A catastrophic plane crash at Louisville’s international airport has left the city reeling.
Late Tuesday night, a UPS cargo plane erupted into flames during takeoff, sending massive plumes of smoke into the air and triggering explosions that could be heard for miles.
As of Wednesday morning, officials have confirmed at least 12 fatalities, including one young child, with that number expected to rise. Fifteen others are injured, and 16 people remain missing as search and rescue teams continue combing through the wreckage.
Among those killed were the three crew members on board the aircraft.
Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg declared a state of emergency, describing the incident as “one of the darkest nights in our city’s recent history.”
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reported that the plane’s left wing caught fire during takeoff, and its left engine detached before impact. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.