A UPS cargo jet crashed near Louisville’s Muhammad Ali International Airport Tuesday, sparking a huge explosion and fireball with reported injuries; authorities including the FAA and NTSB are investigating and local emergency services have issued a shelter-in-place for the surrounding area.
Breaking reports surfaced Tuesday afternoon that a UPS plane went down close to the Louisville airport, and eye-witness videos on social media show a massive fireball erupting near the runway. Officials confirmed injuries but have not released precise numbers or the condition of those involved, and crews are still sorting the scene. The situation is fluid and officials are urging caution around the area while they secure the crash site.
Local media relayed details from first responders saying the incident occurred near Grade Lane and Fern Valley Road and was accompanied by a large explosion. Fire and police units moved in quickly, and visible flames and debris have been reported for miles around the airport. A shelter-in-place was recommended within a five-mile radius as authorities assessed hazards and potential secondary dangers.
A plane has crashed at Louisville’s international airport.
MetroSafe said reports of an explosion were made near Grade Lane and Fern Valley Road.
LMPD said injuries have been reported.
There is a shelter in place issued within a 5-mile radius of the airport. Flames can be seen for miles and there is a lot of debris flying.
WLKY has a crew headed to the scene to gather more information.
No other details have been released. This story will be updated.
Multiple bystander videos claim to show the crash unfolding, and some clips include strong language from observers. These user-recorded videos circulated quickly across platforms, giving the public immediate but unverified views of the scene. As with all raw footage, authorities will rely on official sources to confirm what these clips depict and to establish a timeline of events.
National agencies stepped in promptly; the FAA said it would investigate the crash alongside the National Transportation Safety Board, with the NTSB taking the lead on the formal inquiry. Initial public comments stressed that information is preliminary and subject to change as investigators comb the wreckage and interview witnesses. That process will determine factors like mechanical issues, weather, maintenance history, and crew actions.
The flight has been identified in reports as UPS Flight 2976, which was reportedly bound for Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu. According to preliminary statements, the aircraft crashed just after 5 p.m. local time. Louisville Metro Police Department and other response teams were on scene, and official updates were being coordinated between agencies managing the emergency.
The FAA and NTSB will investigate. The NTSB will lead the investigation and will provide all updates.
This information is preliminary and subject to change.
Witnesses and broadcast footage captured a thick black plume of smoke rising near the tarmac, creating a dramatic visual that underscored how quickly the situation escalated. Emergency crews focused on suppression, rescue, and securing a perimeter to protect bystanders and limit hazards from debris and fuel. Road closures and access restrictions followed as incident commanders prioritized responder safety and survivor recovery.
Authorities reported injuries but offered no immediate breakdown of how many were hurt or whether any fatalities had occurred. Hospitals in the region were alerted and prepared to receive injured people, while triage and on-site care were set up to stabilize victims for transport. The focus in the initial hours remained on saving lives and preventing further harm at the scene.
The aircraft involved was identified as a McDonnell Douglas MD-11F, a cargo freighter model commonly used by major carriers for global shipping routes. Operators like UPS, FedEx, and other cargo airlines have long relied on this type for long-haul freight runs. Investigators will examine the plane’s maintenance records, loading manifest, and any relevant communications to determine what role, if any, the aircraft type or cargo played in the accident.
Officials warned the public to avoid sharing unverified details that could hamper rescue efforts or spread misinformation during a highly active emergency. Journalists and the public were asked to respect cordons and allow first responders to work uninterrupted. As the NTSB leads the technical inquiry, expect periodic official bulletins rather than continuous speculation.
Further updates will come from on-scene agencies and the NTSB as they progress through initial inspection, witness interviews, and evidence collection. For now, the priority remains victim care and securing a safe perimeter while investigators begin the methodical work needed to uncover what happened. This remains an active situation with more details to be determined as officials complete their assessments.
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