US Cargo Jet Crashes After Takeoff, Killing At Least 7 People
US Cargo Jet Crashes After Takeoff, Killing At Least 7 People
By Dr. Odimientimi Agbedeyi
Tragedy struck in the United States on Tuesday evening when a UPS cargo jet crashed shortly after takeoff from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport in Kentucky, leaving at least seven people dead and several others injured.
The ill-fated aircraft, identified as a McDonnell Douglas MD-11 and operating as UPS Flight 2976, was en route to Honolulu, Hawaii, when it went down moments after leaving the runway.
Eyewitness Video Captures Horror
A dramatic video, reportedly recorded by airport staff, has gone viral on social media. The footage shows the cargo plane engulfed in flames as it speeds down the runway before exploding into a massive fireball that sent thick black smoke billowing into the evening sky.
Other clips depict the jet tearing through nearby buildings and industrial structures, leaving behind a trail of destruction. Emergency sirens echoed across the area as first responders rushed to the scene.
Official Reactions
In a statement, UPS confirmed that one of its aircraft was involved in an accident shortly after takeoff and that three crew members were onboard.
“At approximately 5:20 PM ET tonight, UPS Flight 2976 from Louisville, KY, to Honolulu, an MD-11 with three crew members onboard, was involved in an accident in Louisville. At this time, we have not confirmed any injuries or casualties,” the company stated, adding that the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) would lead the investigation.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) also confirmed the crash, noting that the jet went down at about 5:15 PM local time, moments after departing the airport.
Casualty Update
According to Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, seven people are believed to have died in the crash — three crew members aboard the plane and four individuals on the ground. Eleven others reportedly sustained varying degrees of injuries, with authorities warning that the toll could rise as rescue operations continue.
Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg described the scene as “devastating,” noting that the debris field spread across several blocks near the airport.
Police spokesperson Matt Sanders confirmed that emergency teams received over 20 calls for assistance, describing the area as an “active scene with visible fire and wreckage.”
About the Aircraft
Data from FlightRadar24 revealed that the crashed aircraft, registered N259UP, was a 34-year-old McDonnell Douglas MD-11(F) that had been converted to cargo and entered UPS service in 2006.
The MD-11 model has had a history of landing and takeoff instability incidents globally, often linked to balance and speed management challenges during critical flight phases.
Investigation Underway
The NTSB has launched a full investigation to determine the cause of the crash, with technical teams already dispatched to Louisville. The FAA is collaborating closely with UPS and airport authorities to secure the crash site and recover the aircraft’s black boxes (flight data and cockpit voice recorders).
Officials have urged residents to avoid the area, calling it an “active emergency zone” filled with hazardous materials and wreckage.
While initial reports indicate the plane caught fire before impact, investigators are exploring potential causes, including engine failure, fuel leak, or control malfunction.
Broader Safety Implications
The accident has renewed concerns about aviation safety standards, particularly regarding aging cargo aircraft still in commercial operation. Analysts suggest that the tragedy could trigger renewed calls for stricter inspection protocols and improved crew training in handling emergency situations during takeoff.
Aviation watchers note that UPS has maintained one of the industry’s strongest safety records, making this crash one of its most serious incidents in recent years.
Conclusion
As rescue efforts continue, tributes are pouring in for the victims, with the UPS community and aviation professionals worldwide mourning the tragic loss. The NTSB has promised a preliminary report in the coming days, but the full investigation could take months.
For now, the world watches and prays for answers — and for comfort to the families affected by this devastating air tragedy.
Tags:
#USPlaneCrash #UPSCargoJet #Louisville #AviationAccident #Kentucky #NTSB #FAA #DrOdimientimiAgbedeyi #GlobalEgberiMediaInternational
Facebook Caption:
💔 Breaking Tragedy: A UPS cargo jet crashed just after takeoff from Louisville Airport, killing at least seven people and injuring several others. Read full details and official reactions in this detailed report by Dr. Odimientimi Agbedeyi for Global Egberi Media International.
#AviationAccident #USCrash #BreakingNews
Author:
Dr. Odimientimi Agbedeyi
Global Egberi Media International
🌐 https://globalegberi.blogspot.com
📧 globalegberimedia@gmail.com
📞 +234 813 490 2214
Source: Sahara Reporters / The Economic Times / FAA / NTSB / UPS Corporate
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