cargo plane crash in Kentucky with 38,000 Gallons Fuel, Kills 12

Darwin, 06 November— A UPS cargo plane exploded and crashed shortly after takeoff from Louisville International Airport in the U.S. state of Kentucky, killing at least 12 people, Governor Andy Beshear confirmed. He also warned that the death toll could rise further.

According to a report by the BBC, the deadly crash occurred around 5:15 p.m. local time on Tuesday, shortly after the aircraft took off from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport.

Governor Beshear said one of the victims may have been a child. More than a dozen people were injured, several of them critically.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reported that the aircraft’s left engine caught fire during takeoff and separated from the wing. The plane then crashed, sending thick plumes of smoke billowing into the sky over the airport area.

Todd Inman, an NTSB official, said the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder (the “black boxes”) have been recovered. CCTV footage showed the engine falling off mid-air during takeoff. The plane reportedly overran the end of the runway, broke through a perimeter fence, and struck several commercial buildings adjacent to the airport.

Governor Beshear declared a state of emergency in Kentucky to speed up rescue operations and mobilize the National Guard for assistance.

At least 16 families have reported their relatives missing. Before crashing, the aircraft struck an auto repair shop, and two workers there remain unaccounted for.

UPS said in a statement that three crew members were aboard the plane, but it has not yet confirmed any information regarding casualties. Authorities believe the crew members are among the dead.

Kentucky Representative Morgan McGarvey said the Hawaii-bound plane was carrying about 38,000 gallons of fuel. “It was like fuel raining down over Louisville,” he remarked, describing the massive spill after the crash.

Officials confirmed that the plane was not carrying any hazardous cargo.

The explosion and fire completely destroyed two nearby businesses. Louisville Fire Department Chief Brian O’Neill said the situation was “extremely dangerous” due to the large amount of spilled fuel, but firefighters managed to bring the blaze under control quickly.

All flights on Tuesday night were initially canceled following the crash, but Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg later announced that the airport’s runway had reopened and flight operations had returned to normal.