A UPS cargo plane (Flight 2976) crashed shortly after takeoff from Louisville on Nov. 4, 2025, causing a massive fire and emergency response. Officials confirmed multiple fatalities — at least seven by evening — and many injuries, with numbers expected to rise. The MD-11 aircraft was heading to Honolulu and carried more than 38,000 gallons of fuel.
Governor Andy Beshear and Mayor Craig Greenberg urged prayers and patience, noting hazardous-material concerns and expanding shelter-in-place areas. Numerous fire, police, and emergency agencies responded, and a reunification center was set up for families. Businesses near the crash site suffered damage, and two people remained unaccounted for.
Dramatic videos showed the plane descending rapidly before exploding on impact. A passenger at the airport described seeing thick smoke and evacuating his plane after being told there had been “an accident.” Authorities are investigating, led by the NTSB, and the community is mourning the victims while supporting first responders.
