Cargo Plane Crashes Shortly After Departing Louisville Airport In US

A UPS cargo plane has crashed shortly after taking off from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport in Kentucky, United States.

The McDonnell Douglas MD‑11F freighter was en route to Honolulu, Hawaii, with three crew members on board, according to UPS.

The crash occurred around 5:10–5:15 p.m local time (EST) on Tuesday. Videos circulating online show thick black smoke and flames rising from the crash site.

According to CNN, emergency responders from the Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) and other agencies rushed to the scene, while authorities issued a shelter-in-place order for nearby residents.

Meanwhile, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear described the situation as “serious” and said he was heading to Louisville. “We are aware of a reported plane crash near Louisville International Airport. First responders are on-site, and we will share more information as it becomes available. Please keep the crew and everyone affected in your prayers,” he posted on X (formerly Twitter).

Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg also confirmed that multiple people have been injured and said the fire from the plane crash near the airport was “still burning” as scores of emergency agencies responded to the scene.

US authorities, including the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), were investigating the incident. The cause of the crash was yet to be determined, according to reports.

Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport serves as UPS’s main air hub worldwide. Its Worldport facility covers over 5 million square feet and employs more than 12,000 workers, processing over two million packages daily.

However, authorities have advised residents near the airport to stay indoors while emergency teams secure the crash site.