The death toll from the United Parcel Service (UPS) cargo plane crash in Louisville, Kentucky, has risen to 12, as authorities continue rescue and recovery operations. The devastating crash occurred near Muhammad Ali International Airport on Tuesday morning when a McDonnell Douglas MD-11 cargo jet went down shortly after takeoff.
According to Al Jazeera, investigators have confirmed that the plane’s left engine detached during takeoff, leading to a fiery explosion that tore through several industrial buildings near the airport.
Casualties and Missing Persons
Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg stated that three of the 12 confirmed victims were crew members, while authorities have yet to identify the remaining nine. Emergency services have also listed 15 individuals as missing, feared to be trapped beneath the wreckage and fire debris.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear described the crash scene as “violent,” comparing the destruction to the aftermath of an F4 tornado. He stated that entire buildings were flattened within seconds, while others just meters away remained untouched — showing the sheer force of the explosion.
Black Box Recorders Recovered
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) confirmed the recovery of both the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder, commonly known as the black boxes. NTSB member Todd Inman revealed that the devices have been sent for lab analysis to determine the cause of the engine failure.
He explained that, based on preliminary findings, the left engine separated from the wing during takeoff, sparking a massive fire that consumed much of the aircraft before it struck the ground.
Investigation Underway
The NTSB and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have launched a joint investigation to determine what caused the catastrophic mechanical failure. Investigators will examine the 31-year-old aircraft for possible structural fatigue, engine wear, or maintenance oversights.
Experts say that while the MD-11 remains widely used in cargo operations, its age and complex design make maintenance and performance checks increasingly critical.
Impact on UPS Operations
The crash occurred near UPS Worldport, the company’s global air logistics hub in Louisville, one of the largest air freight hubs in the world. UPS temporarily suspended operations at the facility and began safety inspections in response.
In a statement, UPS expressed deep sorrow for the loss of life and pledged full cooperation with investigators. The company also said that all affected families would receive immediate support and assistance.
Community Response
Emergency crews, firefighters, and volunteers worked throughout the night to control the fires and search for survivors. Residents reported hearing a loud explosion that shook homes several miles away.
Community centers and churches in the area opened shelters for displaced families, and grief counselors are assisting those affected by the tragedy.
Questions Surround Aircraft Safety
The Kentucky crash has reignited debates over the safety of aging cargo aircraft. Aviation analysts note that older planes like the MD-11 require stricter inspection regimes due to their extensive service life and heavy flight loads. Authorities are now reviewing maintenance logs and flight history to identify any prior warnings or irregularities reported before the fatal takeoff.
Looking Ahead
As the investigation continues, families of the victims and UPS employees await answers. The NTSB will release a preliminary report within the coming weeks, but completing the full investigation may take several months. For now, the nation mourns the loss of 12 lives in what has become one of Kentucky’s deadliest aviation accidents in recent years.
