At least 7 dead, 11 injured, several missing after fiery UPS plane crash in Louisville

A UPS cargo plane crashed in a fireball at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport killing and injuring multiple people.

Three crew members were on board when the plane went down while attempting to takeoff at approximately 5:15 eastern time on Tuesday. According to Louisville Metro Police, the plane crashed near Fern Valley and Grade Lane.

At least seven people died in the crash (the three crew members are presumed dead and included in the seven fatalities), and there were at least 11 people injured, Gov. Andy Beshear said Tuesday evening.

The 34-year-old plane, which, according to FlightRadar.com, never reached an altitude above 175 feet, crashed into two businesses, Kentucky Petroleum Recycling and Grade A Auto Parts, just outside the airport perimeter. Two Grade A Auto Parts employees were missing after the crash. Several other people have also been reported missing.

Flames can be seen coming from one of the three engines on the McDonnell Douglas MD-11 aircraft as it rotated (lifted off) from Runway 17R in several circulating videos. The aircraft reached a top speed of 186 knots (214 miles per hour) while on the ground, FlightRadar.com reports, as it lifted off.

The airplane, which was purchased by UPS in 2006, was loaded with 38,000 gallons of fuel, weighing at least 220,000 pounds, as the aircraft was flying to Honolulu, Hawaii.

The McDonnell Douglas MD-11 fleet, according to pilot and aviation expert, Captain Steeeve, have suffered from numerous mechanical issues since it was introduced in 1991. To see Captain Steeeve’s early breakdown of the crash, click here.

Hundreds of firefighters from around Kentucky assisted in battling the massive fire.

Initially, a shelter in place order was issued for five miles around the airport. That was later shortened to between the airport and Ohio River, which includes South Louisville, Old Louisville and downtown Louisville.

The National Transportation Safety Board is leading the investigation.

(Headline photo: A fireball erupts as UPS Flight 2976 crashes just outside the perimeter of Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, courtesy of ABC7NY.com)