Fiery Kentucky plane crash kills at least 11, leaves devastation

Emergency personnel were searching for more potential victims on Wednesday following a tragic incident where a UPS cargo plane crashed and caught fire at the company’s main air hub in Kentucky. The crash claimed the lives of at least 11 individuals, including a child. The plane went down just after 5:15 p.m. while taking off for Honolulu from UPS Worldport at the Muhammad Ali International Airport in Louisville. The aircraft, which had received clearance for takeoff, experienced a fire in its left wing. Despite briefly gaining altitude, the plane ultimately crashed just outside the airport grounds. The National Transportation Safety Board is leading investigations into the crash, with findings revealing that the left engine detached from the wing during takeoff. The death toll had reached 11 by Wednesday afternoon, with a number of injuries reported. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear expressed concern that the number of casualties could rise. The governor declared a state of emergency and praised the community for their swift efforts in assisting with rescue operations. The tragedy also impacted nearby businesses, including Kentucky Petroleum Recycling and Grade A Auto Parts. This incident has prompted UPS to temporarily suspend package sorting at their Louisville facility, a key hub handling thousands of packages daily. The McDonnell Douglas MD-11 aircraft involved in the crash had been carrying a full load of fuel, contributing to the intensity of the fire that ensued. UPS urged the public to await information from the National Transportation Safety Board for updates on the official investigation.