UPS Plane Crashes Near the Louisville Airport
All known details thus far about the recent tragic crash have been unveiled by authorities, including an account from a man who was boarding another flight at the Louisville airport.
A routine Tuesday evening transformed into a horrific tragedy when UPS Flight 2976 crashed after takeoff near Louisville, Kentucky, on the evening of Tuesday, November 4, 2025, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed.
A view of smoke rising at the crash site of the UPS plane near Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport in Louisville, Kentucky on November 4, 2025. | Source: Getty Images
The incident occurred around 5:15 p.m. local time after the McDonnell Douglas MD-11 aircraft departed from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport en route to Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu.
In an official statement shared on social media, the FAA noted, "The FAA and NTSB will investigate. The NTSB will lead the investigation and will provide all updates." Officials also emphasized, "This information is preliminary and subject to change" as details continue to emerge from the crash site.
The crash has sent shockwaves through the local community and beyond. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear expressed his sorrow in a public post, penning, "Please, pray for the families affected, Louisville and [sic] all of Kentucky. We are hurting right now after a heartbreaking day."
In a gripping press conference held soon after the tragedy, officials warned that things could worsen before they get better. Authorities also reiterated the aforementioned points and the ongoing nature of the investigation.
"I can't confirm that there was no specifically hazardous cargo onboard of [sic] the plane that would create an environmental issue for those around the site, but the impact and where it impacted could create those types of situations. So, please, if there is a shelter in place, follow it," added a representative.
Additional agencies involved at the scene include the Kentucky National Guard, Kentucky Office of Homeland Security, the Louisville Fire Department, the Lexington Fire Department, the Bardstown Fire Department, the Shepherdsville Fire Department, Louisville Emergency Management, the Fern Creek Fire Department, and the Pleasure Ridge Park Fire Department.
Fairdale Fire Department, Anchorage Middletown Fire Department, Jefferson Town Fire Department, Airport Police Department, Louisville Metro Police, Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, Saint Matthews Police Department, Shively Police Department, KSP, Louisville Metro EMS, MSD, Louisville Gas and Electric, and Kentucky Emergency Management are involved as well.
Initial casualty numbers were also discussed, with the current estimated fatalities being three and at least 11 injuries, some severe and being treated by local hospitals. These numbers are expected to grow. Additionally, the status of the crew is not currently known. More details on the story will follow shortly.