Katie Didit, a resident of New Albany, Indiana, was driving home from her job in Louisville when she heard a deafening explosion associated with a plane crash. “I heard a sound similar to a jake brake on a semi but I just assumed it was heavy Louisville traffic ahead,” Didit recounted in an interview with CNN. Initially, she thought a large building might be on fire, reminiscent of the deadly factory explosion that occurred in November 2024. As smoke began to fill the corner of her windshield, she instinctively pulled out her phone to capture a video. The situation worsened rapidly, with Didit noting that the sky turned “completely black” downtown within just 10 minutes of filming.
The aircraft involved in the crash was a McDonnell Douglas MD-11F, a model that was once used for passenger flights but is now primarily utilized for cargo operations due to its large capacity. The last recorded passenger flight operated by KLM took place in 2014. Over the years, this aircraft has been involved in multiple incidents. Notably, in 1998, Swissair Flight 111 crashed due to an in-flight fire, resulting in the tragic loss of all 215 passengers and 14 crew members. In 2010, a Lufthansa cargo jet also crashed during landing in Saudi Arabia, and in 2016, another MD-11F experienced a nose gear collapse after overrunning a runway in Seoul. Despite its significant cargo capabilities, the MD-11 model has had a troubled operational history, leading Boeing to cease production in 2000.
A National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) team is en route to Louisville to investigate the crash. The agency's “go-team” is expected to arrive on Wednesday, and a news conference will be held to provide updates on the situation. Video footage circulating on social media shows the widebody jet struggling during takeoff, with flames visibly erupting from the left engine. The incident likely occurred after reaching the “V1” speed, a critical point during takeoff. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear confirmed that the plane was carrying a substantial amount of fuel, approximately 38,000 gallons, which created a highly dangerous scenario.
Emergency crews have been working tirelessly to contain the fire resulting from the crash. Governor Beshear noted the significant challenges posed by the fuel spill, stating, “There are a lot of issues that are going on with being able to surround and try to contain this fire.” The crash site, located in an industrial area, further complicated efforts as it housed additional fuel sources.
During a press conference, Governor Beshear urged the public to pray for the victims and their families, emphasizing the need for support. “Let’s pray that the number of Kentuckians, or any other folks that we lost, stays as low as possible,” he said, expressing concern as authorities confirmed at least three fatalities. The emotional toll of the tragedy is being felt deeply within the community, with many residents having personal connections to UPS and its employees.
Firefighters are diligently working to locate any individuals who may be trapped following the plane crash. Governor Beshear highlighted the heroism of first responders, who are moving swiftly to address the situation. Louisville Metro Police Chief Paul Humphrey indicated that the crash site would remain an active scene for several days as investigators work to make it safe.
Governor Beshear has issued warnings to the public to stay away from the crash site due to ongoing risks of fire and explosion. “Do not go to the crash site,” he cautioned during a news conference, stressing that such actions could hinder rescue efforts. While authorities have confirmed that the plane was not carrying hazardous cargo, the crash site still poses significant dangers.
In the wake of the crash, all flights in and out of the Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport have been temporarily suspended as emergency crews respond to the incident. The airport's management has advised passengers to monitor their flight statuses through their airline’s website or mobile app. Furthermore, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has established a temporary restricted airspace around the airport, allowing only relief operations within a five-mile radius until 7 a.m. ET Wednesday.
The investigation into the Louisville plane crash is ongoing, with updates expected as more information becomes available. The community remains hopeful for the safety of those involved and is coming together to support one another during this challenging time.
