A UPS plane crashed after taking off from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport in Kentucky, federal authorities said Tuesday, sending a huge plume of smoke into the air and prompting authorities to urge residents of a large swath of the nearby area to shelter in place after the fire.
Injuries are reported, according to the Louisville Metropolitan Police Department, which did not specify how many.
Three crew members were aboard the plane, according to UPS, which said it has not confirmed any injuries.
A fireball erupts near airport property after reports of a plane crash at Louisville International Airport, November 1, 2019. January 4, 2025 in Louisville, Kentucky.
Jon Cherry/AP
A shelter-in-place was initially issued within 5 miles of the airport, but was later expanded to all areas north of the airport to the Ohio River, police said.
“This is an active scene with fire and debris. Please stay clear,” the Louisville Metro Police Department said on social media.
A plume of smoke hangs over airport property after reports of a plane crash at Louisville International Airport, Nov. 4, 2025, in Louisville, Kentucky.
Jon Cherry/AP
Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg called the incident a “An incredible tragedy that our community will never forget” and said the city has “all emergency agencies responding to the scene.”
“There are multiple injuries and the fire continues,” he said on social media. “There are many roads closed in the area, please avoid the scene.”
UPS Flight 2976 crashed around 5:15 p.m. local time on Tuesday, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. The McDonnell Douglas MD-11 was headed to Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu, the agency said.
The video captured the moment the plane crashed, causing a large fireball.
It appears there was an engine problem during takeoff, sources told ABC News.
UPS said it has been “notified of an incident/accident involving one of our aircraft” in Louisville.
The airport is home to UPS Worldport, the company Bulk package manipulation installation.
The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the accident.
The airport confirmed that there was an “air incident” and that the airfield is closed.
Smoke billows near an airport in Louisville, Kentucky, on Nov. 4, 2025.
Pablo Cook/Facebook
“Kentucky, we are aware of a reported plane crash near Louisville International Airport,” Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said on social media. “First responders are on scene and we will share more information as it becomes available. Please pray for the pilots, crew and everyone affected. We will share more soon.”
Beshear said Tuesday night that he is headed to Louisville.
“The situation is serious. Please pray for the affected families,” he said.
ABC News’ Luke Barr, Sam Sweeney and Ayesha Ali contributed to this report.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
