Addis Ababa, November 5, 2025 (FMC) — At least seven people have died and 11 others were injured after a UPS Airlines cargo plane crashed shortly after takeoff from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport in Kentucky, United States, on Tuesday evening.
The McDonnell Douglas MD‑11F freighter, bound for Honolulu, went down around 5:15 p.m. local time near an industrial area adjacent to the airport, erupting into a massive fireball. Authorities confirmed that four of the victims were on the ground, while three crew members onboard are presumed dead. The total toll could rise as rescue efforts continue.
The crash occurred near UPS’s global air hub, “Worldport,” temporarily halting operations and disrupting cargo shipments worldwide. Eyewitnesses described scenes of devastation, with a plume of black smoke rising over nearby businesses, including a petroleum recycling plant and an auto-parts facility.
Governor Andy Beshear described the incident as “heartbreaking,” warning that some of the injured sustained serious injuries. Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg said the city is “hurting right now after a tragic day.”
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have launched a full investigation into the crash. Preliminary video analysis suggests flames on the plane’s left wing and possible engine separation, with investigators set to review maintenance records, cargo and fuel load, weather conditions, and potential human factors.
Limited airport operations have resumed, but flights remain disrupted and local authorities issued school closures and shelter-in-place orders in surrounding areas. Emergency crews continue search and rescue efforts while families of victims receive support. The investigation is expected to take up to two years to conclude.