UPS aircraft crashes close to Louisville airport, at least 13 dead; flight recorders found

A UPS aircraft crashed near the Louisville International Airport on Tuesday, resulting in the deaths of at least 13 individuals and injuries to numerous others. The National Transportation Safety Board has initiated an inquiry into the incident and recovered the plane's black boxes which record flight data. The death toll continued to rise throughout Wednesday, as Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear and Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg cautioned that more casualties were anticipated due to several people still unaccounted for. The UPS plane was carrying three crew members who were identified as Captain Richard Wartenberg, First Officer Lee Truit, and International Relief Officer Captain Dana Diamond, all of whom are presumed to have perished in the crash. UPS extended their sympathies to the families and friends of those affected. The crash led to a state of emergency declaration by Beshear, and various rescue and recovery operations were undertaken, with some individuals still being searched for. Numerous medical facilities received patients from the incident, with two individuals remaining in critical condition. The NTSB is actively investigating the crash, which involved a three-engine McDonnell Douglas MD-11 plane. The crash impact has been significant, affecting multiple businesses and prompting safety precautions for local residents. Despite the challenges faced, authorities are striving to manage the fallout and support those impacted by the tragedy.