Update 11/4/25 10:55 p.m ET
Unfortunately, the death toll has now been upped to seven, and four of those killed were not on the plane, according to officials.
Update 11/4/25 8:45 p.m ET
Tuesday’s fiery UPS cargo plane crash in Louisville, Kentucky, has sadly resulted in a number of casualties, authorities are reporting:
A UPS cargo plane crashed shortly after takeoff from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport on Tuesday evening, killing at least three people and injuring 11 others, officials said.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration, UPS Flight 2976 went down around 5:15 p.m. local time after departing the airport. Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said two businesses were hit when the plane crashed, and two employees are missing.
That number could rise, Beshear said at a news conference Tuesday evening:
#BREAKING: At least 3 killed in Louisville UPS plane crash, 11 injured — Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear
‘That number is going to get larger’ pic.twitter.com/BG84Nvi91y
— Rapid Report (@RapidReport2025) November 5, 2025
The status of the crew is undetermined as of this time, and the fire is still burning. The injuries suffered by some of the 11 were described as “significant.” Some of the victims include those who were on the ground, according to Beshear:
Two businesses were directly hit by the plane: a waste company and an auto parts store. Mr. Beshear said two employees at the auto parts store were unaccounted for. It was unclear if there were any customers at the shop when it was hit.
Meanwhile, new pictures and videos are coming in showing the large scope of the scene and the extent of the destruction.
Prayers for the people impacted by the UPS plane crash in Louisville, KY 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏 pic.twitter.com/55FymViWqn
— Lila Greene (@LilaGreene90) November 5, 2025
🚨 HOLY CRAP! Absolutely INSANE up-close angle of UPS Flight 2976 crash in Louisville
The plane supposedly slammed right into a petroleum recycle facility
Absolutely wild. pic.twitter.com/gcI13rL87O
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) November 5, 2025
We will continue to update this tragic story as new developments arise.
Original Story
Reports are breaking Tuesday afternoon that a UPS plane has crashed near Muhammad Ali International Airport in Louisville, Kentucky. Multiple videos have been posted to social media showing a massive fireball; injuries have been reported, but the nature and the number of people hurt remain unknown.
Reports of a massive explosion and resulting fire, possibly the result of a crash involving a cargo plane with UPS Airlines, near Muhammad Ali International Airport in Louisville, Kentucky. pic.twitter.com/HtTQLVDH6D
— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) November 4, 2025
Local TV station WLKY has the report:
A plane has crashed at Louisville’s international airport.
MetroSafe said reports of an explosion were made near Grade Lane and Fern Valley Road.
LMPD said injuries have been reported.
There is a shelter in place issued within a 5-mile radius of the airport. Flames can be seen for miles and there is a lot of debris flying.
WLKY has a crew headed to the scene to gather more information.
No other details have been released. This story will be updated.
Videos are circulating purporting to show the crash as it happened (profanity alert):
🚨 BREAKING: Footage from Louisville International Airport shows UPS cargo plane ON FIRE as it barrels down the runway, and EXPLODES on impact
This is absolutely terrifying.
Keep praying for the crew and any victims on the ground 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/gevLlCkRLI
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) November 4, 2025
MORE: Update: Bomb on Board? Flights Resume at Reagan National After Shutdown Due to ‘Security Threat’
New Details Emerge About Actions of Black Hawk Pilots in Deadly DC Mid-Air Collision
The Federal Aviation Administration has announced they’re investigating:
UPS Flight 2976 crashed around 5:15 p.m. local time on Tuesday, Nov. 4, after departing from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport in Kentucky. The McDonnell Douglas MD-11 was headed to Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu. The FAA and NTSB will investigate.…
— The FAA ✈️ (@FAANews) November 4, 2025
The FAA and NTSB will investigate. The NTSB will lead the investigation and will provide all updates.
This information is preliminary and subject to change.
The plane was reportedly headed to Hawaii:
UPS Flight 2976 crashed just after 5 p.m. local time and was headed to Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu, according to a statement from the Federal Aviation Administration, which is investigating the crash along with the National Transportation Safety Board. The NTSB will lead the investigation, the FAA said Tuesday.
Louisville Metro Police Department and other agencies are responding to the reported plane crash, LMPD said in an X post. Injuries have been reported, police said.
A massive plume of black smoke is rising not far from the tarmac at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, videos from CNN affiliate WAVE show.
Anyone have an idea what’s going on at UPS or the airport? Massive smoke cloud going down 65S pic.twitter.com/70jL95KExP
— Ryan L Smith (@ryanlsmith_) November 4, 2025
The aircraft type was one often used for cargo:
The McDonnell Douglas MD-11F is a freight transport aircraft manufactured originally by McDonnell Douglas and later by Boeing. The aircraft is primarily flown by FedEx Express, Lufthansa Cargo and UPS Airlines for cargo.
RedState will keep you updated as events warrant on this breaking story.
