A massive fire broke out in a US city today following a UPS cargo plane crash and explosion during takeoff. The incident occurred at Muhammad Ali International Airport in Kentucky, resulting in seven fatalities and another 11 individuals sustaining “very significant” injuries. The tragedy unfolded around 5:15 pm local time when the McDonnell Douglas MD-11 aircraft, manufactured in 1991, experienced a left wing fire, leading to a fiery crash as it descended. The plane was en route to Hawaii from the UPS Worldport facility in Louisville.
Numerous questions remain unanswered regarding the crash, including the identities of the victims, some of whom were on the ground. Four of the deceased were not passengers on the plane, as confirmed by Louisville Fire Department Chief Brian O’Neill. The cause of the crash is still undetermined, prompting investigations by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
Eyewitness footage captured flames emanating from the aircraft’s left wing during takeoff, followed by an explosion upon impact. Residents reported hearing multiple loud booms and observed several explosions, with a building near the runway catching fire. The crash site also affected a fuel recycling business and a car parts establishment.
Aviation expert Pablo Rojas noted the struggle of the plane to gain altitude amidst the wing fire, exacerbated by the abundance of fuel onboard, enhancing the explosion risk. The FAA and NTSB will analyze data from the plane’s black box recorder once recovered to determine the sequence of events leading to the crash.
UPS disclosed that three crew members were onboard, all currently unaccounted for, urging nearby residents to seek shelter due to spreading flames. The company expressed deep sorrow over the incident, emphasizing their commitment to safety and collaboration with authorities in response efforts.
