A UPS Boeing MD-11 freighter crashed into a petroleum services facility shortly after takeoff from Louisville, killing at least three people
A Boeing MD-11 freighter operated by logistics giant UPS has crashed after taking off from Louisville, Kentucky in the US.
The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said the accident occurred around 17:15 local time at Louisville’s Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF). The aircraft was operating as flight UPS2976 to Honolulu.
The FAA and National Transport Safety Board will be investigating the accident.
Footage from local media show thick smoke billowing over the airport. The Louisville police department also confirms “fire and debris” are present at the crash site.
Flight tracking data suggests the MD-11F involved is registered N259UP. It was carrying three crew members.
In a statement confirming the accident, UPS added: “At this time, we have not confirmed any injuries/casualties.” Louisville is the main air hub for UPS and is one of the country’s busiest cargo airports.
According to data from aviation analytics site Cirium, the freighter was built in 1991 and delivered in passenger configuration to Thai Airways International. It operated until 2006, when it was sent for conversion, and delivered to UPS in 2007 for freighter operations.
Cirium data also shows that UPS has a fleet of 26 in-service MD-11Fs, with six more aircraft in storage.
The aircraft came down on a building operated by a petroleum services company, causing a massive fire and injuring many people on the ground.
“We believe we have at least three fatalities. I believe that number is going to get larger,” said Kentucky governor Andy Beshear. “We have at least 11 injuries. I think that that number will get larger.”
The aircraft was not carrying hazardous materials but the crash itself might have created environmental hazards, said the governor. Following the incident, officials established a “shelter-in-place” order applicable to people nearby.
