At least 11 people were killed after a UPS cargo plane crashed during take off from an airport in Louisville, Kentucky on Tuesday evening, the state's governor reported.
Governor Andy Beshear indicated the death toll may increase as it is believed to include at least one child. The crash occurred shortly after 5:15 PM local time.
The left engine of the plane reportedly caught fire and detached from the wing, leading to an explosion and a major fire that produced thick smoke, according to the National Transportation Safety Board.
Many others were injured, suffering from burns, shrapnel wounds, and smoke inhalation.
As of the latest updates, officials are still searching for additional victims, with multiple people unaccounted for and at least 16 families reporting missing loved ones.
Among the deceased, it is believed the plane's three-member crew were part of the fatalities. The crash investigation is ongoing, aided by data from the aircraft's flight recorders.
Initial reports indicate that during the takeoff roll, the left engine detached. The aircraft managed to take off and cleared a fence before crashing into multiple nearby businesses, causing substantial damage and igniting a fuel fire.
Beshear declared a state of emergency to facilitate faster resource deployment through emergency management. Louisville's runway has since reopened, allowing flights to resume.
The crashed aircraft was an MD-11 cargo plane, which has been part of UPS's operations since 2006. Investigators face challenges due to a vast debris field and significant fire damage.
UPS expressed deep sadness over the incident, emphasizing their commitment to safety and the wellbeing of affected individuals and families.
