At least 7 killed, 11 injured after a UPS plane crashes near the Louisville airport - BERITAJA

What You Need To Know?

Kentucky - A UPS freight aircraft tragically crashed shortly after departing from Louisville, Kentucky's airport on Tuesday, igniting a massive fire and sending a towering plume of thick black smoke into the sky, visible for miles. The devastating incident has resulted in at least seven confirmed fatalities and 11 injuries, with the numbers expected to rise as authorities continue their investigation.

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear confirmed the casualties, stating that the situation remains fluid and further updates are anticipated. The Louisville mayor also disclosed that the three crew members aboard the MD-11 plane are presumed to have perished in the crash. Additionally, four of the fatalities were not aboard the aircraft, indicating the extent of the destruction caused by the disaster.

Firefighters from across the region have been battling the flames that spread over a vast area, and officials reported on Tuesday night that the fire is nearing containment. The fire, fueled by the wreckage, has been a massive challenge, but teams of hundreds are working to create a “formal grid” to search for any remaining victims and assess the full scope of the damage.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will be leading the investigation into the cause of the crash, with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) coordinating efforts. A team of at least 28 investigators is set to arrive in Kentucky on Wednesday to begin the detailed work of piecing together what led to the tragic event.