A UPS cargo plane has crashed at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport.
Three crew members were on board when the plane went down while taking off at approximately 5:15 local time. According to Louisville Metro Police, the plane crashed near Fern Valley Road and Grade Lane.
A shelter in place order has been issued for a five-mile radius of the airport, Louisville police said.
Multiple injuries have been reported.
The McDonnell Douglas MD-11 aircraft, UPS Flight 2976, was flying to Hawaii with a full fuel load and reportedly had flames coming from at least one of the engines as the plane took off.
The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board will lead the investigation and will provide all updates.
K105 will have more information on this story as it becomes available.
UPDATE 6:55 p.m. — At least three people have died and 11 people were injured in the crash, some of the injuries are “very significant,” Gov. Andy Beshear said at a press conference. The number of people killed and injured are expected to grow, Beshear stated.
UPDATE 7:40 p.m. — An unconfirmed report indicates the aircraft crashed into Kentucky Petroleum Recycling at 6911 Grade Lane, only several yards from the end the runway.
UPDATE 8:27 p.m. — Gov. Andy Beshear confirmed in a press release that the aircraft crashed into Kentucky Petroleum Recycling at 6911 Grade Lane. The plane also impacted Grade A Auto Parts, which has accounted for all but two employees. Additionally, the shelter in place order has shrunk to north of the airport to the Ohio River and includes South Louisville, Old Louisville and downtown Louisville.
(Photo: A UPS cargo plane crashed at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, courtesy of the BBC)
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
