UPS Cargo Aircraft Crashes in Louisville, Seven Reported Dead
(MENAFN) At least seven people were killed Tuesday when a cargo plane went down near Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF) in Louisville, Kentucky, Gov. Andy Beshear confirmed.
"The news out of Louisville is tough tonight as the death toll has now reached at least 7, with that number expected to rise," Beshear wrote on the US social media company X.
Earlier, the governor reported that 11 people injured in the crash had been taken to local hospitals.
The crash involved a United Parcel Service (UPS) aircraft, the company said, which forced the temporary closure of the airport.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that UPS Flight 2976 went down at approximately 5:15 p.m. local time (2215 GMT) shortly after departing from Louisville en route to Honolulu, Hawaii.
Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg told reporters that the plane carried three crew members.
"The four that we have confirmed dead are not on the plane. Again, we believe it will be seven that we're aware of at this time," Greenberg said.
More than 100 firefighters from across the region remain on the scene, working to contain hotspots and manage road closures, he added.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will lead the official investigation into the crash. Greenberg said the agency would serve as the primary source of information.
"I've also spoken with a board member from the NTSB who will be arriving tomorrow. Before 10 am, there'll be 28 folks from NTSB coming," he added.
NTSB Board Member Todd Inman will act as the on-scene spokesperson, with the investigative team scheduled to arrive in Kentucky on Wednesday to conduct a media briefing.
Greenberg also noted that the airport remained closed Tuesday evening but is expected to reopen Wednesday morning. All arriving and departing flights were temporarily suspended.
"We are also asking the public if they were to find any debris in the area to please avoid touching this debris," said the airport’s public information officer.
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