A UPS cargo plane crashed and exploded shortly after takeoff from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport in Kentucky yesterday, November 4, 2025, resulting in at least nine deaths and multiple injuries. The incident occurred around 5:15pm local time.
The UPS MD-11F was taking off from the company’s Louisville, Kentucky hub yesterday when it encountered difficulties, crashed and exploded. The aircraft failed to gain altitude, burst into flames and ended up in an industrial zone near the airport just minutes after beginning its takeoff roll. The aircraft was bound for Hawaii.
The plane skidded off the runway, struck and ignited fires at two nearby businesses, Kentucky Petroleum Recycling and Grade A Auto Parts. The resulting fire was massive due to the large amount of fuel (over 38,000 gallons) the plane was carrying for its long journey.
Reports say nine people have died, three crew members onboard the aircraft and six people on the ground. Eleven others were injured, some with reported “significant injuries.” A full investigation has been launched.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the investigation into the cause of the crash. Early reports and video footage suggest the plane had a fire on one of its wings. Some footage appears to show an engine may have separated before or during the crash but it is too early to report this conclusively.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear said he expected the numbers of casualties and injured to possibly grow.
The crash led to the temporary closure of the Louisville airport and a shelter-in-place order for nearby residents. Operations at the UPS Worldport, the company’s largest air cargo hub located at the airport, were halted overnight.