Nine killed after UPS cargo plane crashes and explodes at Louisville airport

Emergency crews are combing through wreckage at Louisville’s Muhammad Ali International Airport after a UPS cargo plane crashed and exploded during takeoff, killing at least nine people and leaving others unaccounted for. Authorities say the aircraft was bound for Honolulu when it caught fire shortly after lifting off the runway early Tuesday morning.

Footage from witnesses showed flames erupting from the plane’s left wing and a thick trail of smoke moments before the aircraft plunged back to the ground, igniting a massive fireball. Part of a nearby building’s roof was torn apart by the impact, and several airport staff and first responders sustained injuries while attempting rescue efforts.

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear confirmed that at least 16 families have reported missing relatives and said the death toll is expected to rise as recovery operations continue. Federal investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board are on site to determine the cause of the crash.

Airport officials said limited flight operations resumed later in the day, though one runway remains closed as cleanup continues. UPS has not yet released details about the crew or cargo manifest.