A UPS cargo plane crashed this Tuesday (4) shortly after taking off from Muhammad Ali International Airport in Louisville, in the US state of Kentucky, leaving at least three dead and several injured.
Flight 2976, a McDonnell Douglas MD-11, was heading to Honolulu, Hawaii, when it crashed into an industrial area near the airport.
According to Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, the accident affected several commercial establishments, including an oil recycling company and an auto parts company.
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The impact caused an explosion and large fires, fueled by the large amount of fuel on board.
Local authorities warned that people were still missing and that the death toll could rise.
Emergency teams continue to fight the flames and asked the population to avoid the region.
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“There may be people who still need to be rescued. Do not approach the location,” Beshear said.
He classified the accident as a “catastrophic tragedy” and asked nearby residents to remain sheltered due to the risk of further explosions.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported that the accident occurred around 5:15 pm (local time) and that the causes are still being investigated in conjunction with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
Louisville Airport has temporarily suspended all landings and takeoffs.
In a statement, Mayor Craig Greenberg regretted what happened and highlighted the work of firefighters and rescuers. “This is a tragedy our community will never forget,” he said.
