A UPS cargo plane crashed near the Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport in Kentucky on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, sparking massive fires and explosions.
The incident happened around 5:15 p.m. local time, shortly after the plane took off.
The plane, known as UPS Flight 2976, was a McDonnell Douglas MD-11 cargo jet carrying three crew members.
It was heading to Honolulu when it crashed near Fern Valley Road and Grade Lane, just south of the airport.
The crash caused a huge fireball, likely from the jet fuel on board, and sent thick black smoke into the sky that people could see from miles away.
Emergency teams rushed to the scene.
Police reported multiple injuries, but the exact number of casualties is still unknown.
UPS said they have not confirmed any injuries or deaths yet.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear asked people to pray for the pilots, crew, and everyone affected.
Authorities issued a shelter-in-place order for areas near the airport, up to the Ohio River, to keep people safe from the fire and debris.
The airport closed its airfield, and police warned everyone to stay away from the area. Fire crews sprayed water on the flames, and multiple agencies helped at the site.
The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board will investigate the crash. UPS promised to share more details as they learn them, but the NTSB will lead the official probe.
This event disrupted operations at UPS Worldport, a major hub, but a nearby Ford plant said all its workers were safe. Updates will come as more information becomes available.
