Topline
Gov. Andy Beshear, D-Ky., said at least three people are dead following a “catastrophic” plane crash near Louisville International Airport on Tuesday, as first responders work to put out a large blaze caused by the incident.
A fireball erupts near airport property after reports of a plane crash at Louisville International Airport on Tuesday in Louisville, Kentucky. (AP Photo/Jon Cherry)
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Key Facts
Beshear told reporters at least three are dead and 11 are injured, saying he believes both numbers are going to increase as law enforcement continues responding to the crash.
The status of the three-person crew was not known as of shortly before 8 p.m. EST, Beshear said.
The Federal Aviation Administration tweeted that UPS Flight 2976, en route to Honolulu, crashed around 5:15 p.m. EST.
UPS confirmed in a statement earlier Tuesday the flight had three crew members on board.
LMPD said injuries were reported after it issued a shelter-in-place for all locations within five miles of the airport, which is one of the busiest cargo airports in the world and is the home of UPS’ global air freight hub.
Aerial footage from CBS affiliate WLKY News showed a large area beyond an airport runway seemingly set ablaze by the crash, with the outlet noting power has gone out in the surrounding area including at the Ford Louisville Assembly Plant.
The plane was loaded with 280,000 gallons of fuel, according to Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg.
Smoke is scene miles away from the crash site.
Photo by LEANDRO LOZADA/AFP via Getty Images
Smoke billows from the site of the crash near Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport.
Photo by Stephen Cohen/Getty Images
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.