A UPS MD-11 cargo plane crashed shortly after takeoff from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport on Tuesday, sending a massive fireball and thick black smoke across the sky for miles, according to state officials.
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear confirmed at least seven deaths and 11 injuries, and warned the toll could rise as recovery efforts continue. According to CNN, Louisville’s mayor said the three crew members on board are presumed dead, while four of the victims confirmed so far were not on the plane.
Hundreds of firefighters have worked through the night to contain the flames across what officials describe as a massive crash zone, leaving debris scattered over a wide area. Fire officials say they are close to full containment and are now transitioning into structured search operations to establish a formal grid and identify any additional victims.
The FAA confirmed the National Transportation Safety Board will lead the investigation. A 28-person NTSB team is expected to arrive in Kentucky on Wednesday to determine what caused the fatal crash and to begin evidence recovery at the scene. CNN reports this could take several days due to the scale of destruction.