Louisville UPS Cargo Plane Crashes, At Least Three Pass Away, Eleven Injured
In Louisville, Kentucky, a tragic aviation accident occurred near Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, at the intersection of Grade Lane and Fern Valley Road, on the evening of November 4, 2025. The incident involved UPS Flight 2976, a McDonnell Douglas MD-11 cargo aircraft operated by UPS Airlines. The plane crashed shortly after takeoff, resulting in the confirmed passing of at least three individuals and injuries to eleven others.
The aircraft had been scheduled to depart for Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu, Hawaii, when the accident happened. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the crash occurred at approximately 5:15 p.m. local time. Tracking data revealed that the plane had reached only around 175 feet in altitude and was traveling at about 184 knots before descending sharply.
Witnesses described seeing the left wing of the aircraft catch fire before impact. Within moments, a massive explosion shook the surrounding area, setting multiple structures ablaze and sending thick plumes of smoke high into the air. The fire spread quickly, engulfing several buildings in the industrial zone adjacent to the airport. One commercial building suffered a partial collapse, and debris scattered across nearby lots and roadways.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear announced that the casualty count was likely to increase as search and recovery operations continued into the night. Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg confirmed that the aircraft had been fully fueled for its long flight to Hawaii, which contributed to the scale and intensity of the fires following the crash. “This was an extreme situation in so many different ways,” the mayor stated.
Emergency crews from across Jefferson County responded immediately, including Louisville Fire & Rescue, the airport’s emergency response unit, and local law enforcement. A shelter-in-place order was issued for residents and businesses within a five-mile radius of the airport. Roads surrounding the area were closed, and flight operations at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport were temporarily suspended.
Three crew members were confirmed to have been aboard the aircraft at the time of the crash. UPS representatives released a statement expressing deep sorrow and confirming that the company was working closely with authorities and the families of those affected. The names of the victims had not been released as of Tuesday evening, pending notification of next of kin.
Among the eleven injured, several were reported to be ground workers and nearby employees who suffered burns, smoke inhalation, or minor impact injuries from flying debris. All were transported to local hospitals, and several remained in critical condition.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the investigation, supported by the FAA and local emergency management officials. Investigators are examining multiple factors, including reports of an engine fire before takeoff, potential mechanical failure, and the aircraft’s heavy fuel load. The MD-11 involved in the crash was reportedly 34 years old, a factor investigators will analyze as part of the inquiry.
The Louisville airport, home to UPS’s “Worldport” — one of the largest logistics hubs in the world — temporarily halted operations, with ripple effects expected across national cargo routes. UPS officials stated that safety remains their top priority and that they are cooperating fully with federal investigators.
This tragic event has deeply affected the Louisville community, as well as the UPS family. City officials praised the bravery of first responders who risked their lives amid burning wreckage and volatile conditions. Governor Beshear assured the public that all available resources were being deployed to manage the crisis and assist the victims’ families.
In summary, at the heart of Louisville’s aviation and industrial corridor, UPS Flight 2976 met disaster shortly after takeoff. At least three people have passed, eleven others were injured, and several buildings were damaged in the resulting explosion and fire. The investigation continues, and officials expect to release further updates as recovery efforts progress.
