A tragic scene unfolded Tuesday evening in Louisville, Kentucky, when a UPS cargo plane burst into flames moments after takeoff — killing at least seven people and leaving several others missing.
The aircraft, identified as UPS Flight 2976, was headed to Honolulu, Hawaii, when it crashed around 5:15 p.m. local time, just three miles south of Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport.
Fireball engulfs buildings
The plane reportedly struck multiple buildings, including a fuel recycling facility, igniting a massive blaze that emergency crews battled late into the night. Authorities said the aircraft was carrying an estimated 38,000 gallons of jet fuel, intensifying the inferno that could be seen for miles.
Residents living within five miles of the airport were ordered to shelter indoors as firefighters worked to contain the flames and monitor air quality.
