A UPS cargo plane crashed shortly after it took off from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport on Tuesday evening. The McDonnell Douglas MD-11 aircraft, operating as UPS Flight 2976, went down around 5:15 p.m. local time, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

The Kentucky Governor announced that three people were killed and 11 others were injured in the accident. Emergency responders reached the site within minutes and began rescue operations amid flames and thick smoke.

Aircraft Caught Fire Before Crash

According to witnesses, the plane’s left engine caught fire as it tried to lift off. A video shared by WLKY News showed the jet engulfed in flames seconds before crashing near the runway.

The FAA said the aircraft was heading to Honolulu when it crashed while “departing the West Runway.” The impact created a massive explosion, scattering debris across a wide area.

UPS Responds to the Tragedy

UPS released a statement shortly after the crash, confirming that it was cooperating fully with authorities. The company said it had not yet verified details about casualties or injuries, but promised to support the investigation.

“Safety is our top priority,” UPS said. “We are working closely with investigators to determine what happened.”

Louisville serves as UPS’s main U.S. air hub, handling nearly 2,000 flights every day to more than 200 destinations worldwide. The company’s fleet includes 516 aircraft, with 294 owned and the rest leased or chartered.

Firefighters Battle Flames at the Scene

Rescue teams faced intense heat as they battled flames and worked to control the fire. Aerial footage showed smoke billowing from the crash site and debris scattered across the area. Firefighters used high-pressure hoses to extinguish the blaze while police secured the perimeter to keep bystanders away.

Witnesses described hearing a loud explosion moments after the plane hit the ground. Emergency vehicles quickly surrounded the wreckage, and crews searched for survivors.

Investigation Underway

Both the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched investigations to determine the cause of the crash. Officials are examining whether engine failure or a mechanical malfunction led to the disaster.

Investigators are now working to recover the black boxes, which will provide critical data on the plane’s final moments. Authorities said a preliminary report will be released soon, but the final findings may take weeks.