Fully-Fueled Aircraft Ignites Massive Blaze; Four Victims Were on the Ground
LOUISVILLE, KY — A catastrophic plane crash at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport has claimed at least nine lives and left 16 people unaccounted for, with authorities warning the death toll is likely to rise as search efforts continue.
The tragedy unfolded Tuesday evening when UPS Flight 2976, a 34-year-old McDonnell Douglas MD-11 cargo jet, crashed shortly after takeoff around 5:15 p.m. The aircraft, bound for Honolulu with three crew members aboard, was carrying approximately 38,000 gallons of fuel for its transpacific journey—a lethal payload that transformed the crash into a raging inferno.
In a heartbreaking revelation, Mayor Craig Greenberg confirmed that four of the nine confirmed dead were not on the plane, but were people on the ground struck by the disaster. If you or a loved one has been affected by this catastrophic accident, call Noakes Law Group for a free consultation.
A Fire That Spread Nearly a Mile
The impact triggered a massive explosion that sent flames and hazardous smoke billowing across the area. The fire quickly spread to nearby facilities, including a large recycling center, creating a scene of devastation that stretched nearly a mile from the initial crash site near Fern Valley and Grade Lane.
More than 100 first responders from across the region battled for over six hours before finally extinguishing the flames around 11 p.m. Tuesday. Fire officials conducted door-to-door searches in the immediate vicinity to ensure all residents were accounted for.
Casualties and Community Impact
Fifteen people were rushed to area hospitals, with thirteen since discharged. Two patients remain in critical condition in the intensive care unit at UofL Hospital. Governor Andy Beshear grimly noted that casualty numbers are expected to climb as rescue operations continue.
The disaster forced Louisville Gas & Electric to cut power to approximately 290 customers and isolate gas service to more than 90 others for safety reasons. Authorities have maintained a shelter-in-place order for residents within a quarter-mile radius of 7501 Grade Lane, the city’s hazardous waste drop-off site, urging people to remain indoors to avoid smoke and potential contaminants.
While UPS confirmed no hazardous materials were aboard the aircraft, officials noted that affected businesses in the crash zone do contain hazardous substances that must be carefully addressed.
Legal Rights for Victims and Families
In the wake of this devastating tragedy, families who have lost loved ones may have legal recourse through wrongful death claims. A wrongful death attorney can help surviving family members pursue compensation for funeral expenses, lost income, loss of companionship, and the pain and suffering endured by victims. Aviation accidents of this magnitude typically involve complex investigations and multiple potentially liable parties, including aircraft manufacturers, maintenance providers, and operators. Those affected by this disaster—whether they lost family members on the aircraft, on the ground, or suffered injuries from the crash and resulting fires—should understand their rights. Experienced wrongful death attorneys can navigate the intricate federal aviation regulations and state wrongful death laws to ensure families receive the justice and compensation they deserve during this unimaginably difficult time.
Operations Suspended, Investigation Underway
UPS immediately suspended operations at its massive Worldport hub, canceling air sorting shifts and sending employees home. The company has established a family assistance hotline at (800) 631-0604 for relatives seeking information.
The airport initially closed its airfield and suspended TSA security screening, though some flights were observed landing on Wednesday morning as limited operations resumed. Passengers with Tuesday or Wednesday travel plans were urged to monitor flight statuses closely.
The National Transportation Safety Board is leading the investigation and is expected to arrive Wednesday morning to begin examining the wreckage and determining what caused the veteran cargo jet to crash so soon after departure.
As Louisville reels from one of its worst aviation disasters, families continue their agonizing wait for news of the 16 people still missing.