Seven Dead and 11 Injured After Cargo Plane Crashes in the U.S.

A United Parcel Service (UPS) cargo plane crashed shortly after taking off from Louisville, Kentucky airport (southern United States), resulting in a preliminary toll of seven fatalities and eleven individuals injured.

The Governor of Kentucky, Andy Beshear, cautioned that the number of fatalities and injuries could increase. He added that some of the affected individuals had "very serious" injuries and are being treated at local hospitals.

The aircraft, en route to Honolulu, impacted two businesses near the airport. Several explosions were reported following the initial impact. The plane was carrying 38 thousand gallons of fuel.

Circulating images show a trail of destruction and an enormous, thick black smoke column that appeared to extend for kilometers.

Louisville Fire Department Chief Brian O'Neill stated that by approximately 10:30 p.m. (local time), the fire originating from the tragic incident was almost under control.

He noted that this required the participation of hundreds of emergency responders, the majority of whom will now focus on searching for victims.

Ongoing Investigation

A statement from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) specified that UPS Flight 2976 crashed shortly after 5 p.m. local time and was headed to Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu.

The FAA is investigating the accident along with the National Transportation Safety Board.