A UPS cargo plane crashed shortly after takeoff from Louisville International Airport on Tuesday evening, authorities confirmed.
According to CNN, the MD-11 aircraft went down near the airport, and preliminary information indicates multiple injuries. The Federal Aviation Administration said the crash occurred around 5:15 p.m. as the plane was departing for Honolulu.
Video shared online captured a massive fireball at the moment of impact. It is not yet clear whether there were any fatalities.
#BREAKING: Aerial shot of the huge fire after plane crashes in Louisville, Kentucky pic.twitter.com/RCPN1Ruied
— Rapid Report (@RapidReport2025) November 4, 2025
🚨WATCH LIVE: We have a camera outside Louisville Airport in Kentucky, where a cargo plane has reportedly crashed. https://t.co/MDZFHSx03c
— Off The Press (@OffThePress1) November 4, 2025
The Louisville Metro Police Department described the scene as “active with fire and debris” and advised residents to avoid the Fern Valley and Grade Lane area on the south side of the airport, which serves as the hub for UPS operations. A shelter-in-place has been issued within a five-mile radius of the airport.
UPS confirmed it was notified of an incident involving one of its aircraft but has not provided further details. Authorities are actively investigating, and updates are expected.