LOUISVILLE, KY (WAVE) — At least nine people have died following a catastrophic UPS cargo plane crash in Louisville, and officials warn that number is expected to rise.
Governor Andy Beshear stated on X (formerly Twitter) that 16 families have now reported loved ones as unaccounted for following the disaster.
Hospital and Victim Status
A spokesperson for UofL Health confirmed that its hospital network received 15 patients from the crash site.
- 13 of those patients have since been treated and discharged.
- Two patients remain in critical condition in the ICU at UofL Hospital.
Massive Emergency Response
Emergency crews responded to a large-scale fire at Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF), where the crash occurred. Hundreds of firefighters from across the state have been working to get the massive blaze under control.
Once the fire is fully extinguished, officials stated that crews will perform a meticulous grid search of the crash site to search for other victims.
According to officials, initial 911 calls reported the plane crash at approximately 5:14 p.m. near the area of Fern Valley and Grade Lane. As a result of the crash and investigation, Grade Lane will be closed indefinitely between Stooges and Crittenden.
✈️ FAA Confirms UPS Flight 2976 (MD-11) Crashed After Departing Louisville; NTSB to Lead Investigation
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has released an official preliminary statement regarding the fatal UPS plane crash in Kentucky.
According to the agency:
“UPS Flight 2976 crashed around 5:15 p.m. local time on Tuesday, Nov. 4, after departing from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF) in Kentucky.
The aircraft, identified as a McDonnell Douglas MD-11, was headed to Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) in Honolulu.
The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will investigate. The NTSB will lead the investigation and will provide all updates.”
Official Cause of Crash Unknown as NTSB Takes Lead
UPS Halts Louisville Operations, Cancels SortsIn response to the fatal crash, UPS has released a statement confirming a halt to its primary air hub operations and providing guidance for employees and families.
“We are terribly saddened by the accident tonight in Louisville. Our heartfelt thoughts are with everyone involved. UPS is committed to the safety of our employees, our customers and the communities we serve. This is particularly true in Louisville, home to our airline and thousands of UPSers.
We are engaged with the National Transportation Safety Board’s investigation… As a result of the accident, we are halting operations tonight at Worldport.”
Investigation Update & Airport Status
Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg confirmed via X (formerly Twitter) that the NTSB (National Transportation Safety Board) team is scheduled to arrive on-site Wednesday morning to begin their investigation.
In a positive development for travel, the airport has successfully reopened one runway, allowing limited operations to resume at Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF).
Public Safety: Shelter-in-Place Advisory
Louisville Metro Police (LMPD) has issued an urgent shelter-in-place advisory for all locations within a quarter-mile radius of the airport.
- Reason: To protect residents from smoke and debris originating from the crash site.
- Action: Anyone within that area is asked to stay indoors. Pedestrians are advised to avoid the area entirely.
