Thick smoke filled the skies over Louisville, Kentucky, after a UPS cargo plane crashed during takeoff, killing at least three people, with officials warning that more fatalities are likely.

The aircraft, identified as a UPS Boeing 767, went down shortly after 2:00 a.m. local time near Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport. Witnesses reported hearing a loud explosion followed by flames engulfing a large section of the industrial area bordering the airport’s runway.

Local emergency crews responded within minutes, battling an intense fire fueled by jet fuel and cargo materials. Louisville Fire Chief Greg Frederick confirmed that three crew members were found dead at the scene, and recovery operations continue amid debris and smoldering wreckage.

Eyewitness Accounts

Residents in nearby neighborhoods described the crash as “a sudden fireball” lighting up the night sky. One witness told WLKY News that they heard “a deep rumble and then a thunderous boom” as their windows shook from the blast.

Smoke from the impact could be seen miles away, and emergency responders evacuated surrounding streets as a precaution due to potential hazardous material exposure from the aircraft’s cargo.

Response from UPS and FAA

In a statement, UPS Airlines said it was “deeply saddened by the loss of life” and was working closely with investigators.

“Our hearts go out to the families and loved ones of our colleagues,” the company said. “We are cooperating fully with federal authorities as they determine the cause of this tragedy.”

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have both launched investigations. Early data suggest the aircraft may have experienced an engine failure shortly after takeoff, though officials caution it is too early to determine the exact cause.

Airport operations were temporarily halted for several hours but have since resumed with restricted access to the crash zone.

History of Cargo Plane Accidents

While commercial passenger aviation has seen dramatic safety improvements in recent years, cargo operations still face higher risk due to heavier loads, night-time flight schedules, and older aircraft models.

UPS, headquartered in Louisville, operates one of the world’s largest logistics air fleets, with more than 290 aircraft and a central hub known as Worldport, located adjacent to the crash site.

Aviation experts note that the NTSB’s final report could take months to complete, but the focus will likely include maintenance logs, crew communication, and weather conditions at the time of departure.

City in Mourning

Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg declared a local state of emergency and thanked firefighters for containing the blaze before it spread to nearby warehouses. Flags across city buildings will be flown at half-staff through the weekend.

“Louisville has endured tragedy tonight,” the mayor said. “We grieve the lives lost and stand with their families.”

As dawn broke, smoke still hung over the skyline - a grim reminder of the fragility of life and the precision demanded by every takeoff.