IRAN ATTACKED RIGHT NOW, PLANE WITH MORE THAN 244 ONBOARD JUST CRASH… see more
Authorities are continuing to investigate a deadly cargo plane crash at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport that has left at least 14 people dead and multiple others injured. As of Wednesday, officials confirmed that rescue operations have transitioned into recovery efforts, signaling a somber shift as crews search for victims and assess the full extent of the damage.
The crash occurred around 5:15 p.m. Tuesday when a cargo aircraft operated by UPS experienced a catastrophic failure during takeoff. The McDonnell Douglas MD-11 was en route to Honolulu and carried standard freight along with approximately 38,000 gallons of jet fuel. Witnesses reported the aircraft struggled to gain altitude before descending rapidly near the runway, ultimately crashing into nearby industrial buildings.
The impact caused significant damage to surrounding businesses, including Kentucky Petroleum Recycling and Grade A Auto Parts. Emergency crews from Louisville Metro Fire, the Kentucky National Guard, and airport services responded within minutes, battling intense fires fueled by the aircraft’s heavy fuel load.
Shortly after the crash, Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency, allowing for the rapid deployment of resources. The Kentucky Emergency Relief Fund was activated to help victims’ families, assist with funeral expenses, and support rebuilding efforts.
UPS confirmed that all three crew members aboard were killed, including Captain Richard Wartenberg of Independence, Kentucky, First Officer Lee Truitt, and International Relief Officer Captain Dana Diamond. Additional fatalities occurred in the surrounding industrial area. By Wednesday morning, officials reported 14 confirmed deaths, 15 injuries—including two in critical condition—and nine individuals still missing.
Family assistance services have been established at the Louisville Metro Police Training Academy to help relatives locate loved ones and receive counseling support.
Airport operations were temporarily halted after the crash, though two runways have since reopened. Delays and cancellations continue, and travelers are urged to check with airlines for updates. Airport spokesperson Natalie Hughes said safety inspections remain ongoing before full operations resume.
The investigation is being led by the National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration. Both the cockpit voice recorder and flight-data recorder have been recovered and sent to Washington, D.C. for analysis.
Officials say a final report from the NTSB could take 12 to 18 months. Meanwhile, recovery crews remain on-site, and the focus continues to be on supporting victims’ families and honoring those who lost their lives.