Death Toll Expected to Rise as Residents Remain Without Power, Gas, or Water

As of Wednesday, November 5, twelve deaths were reported tied to the crash of UPS Flight 2976 near Louisville International Airport (SDF). At least fifteen other people suffered injuries, and another sixteen remain unaccounted for.

“We are terribly saddened by the accident tonight in Louisville,” read a statement from UPS. “Our heartfelt thoughts are with everyone involved. UPS is committed to the safety of our employees, our customers and the communities we serve. This is particularly true in Louisville, home to our airline and thousands of UPSers.”

The MD-11F cargo jet, carrying 38,000 gallons of fuel and bound for Hawaii, went down shortly after takeoff around 5:15 pm local time. Witnesses reported seeing the aircraft already on fire before it struck an auto parts lot and a petroleum recycling facility near the airport. Upon impact, a massive explosion occurred, sending burning oil across roadways and into nearby waterways. The smoke turned the city into an “apocalyptic” scene for hours, according to a local congressman.

Three UPS crew members were aboard the aircraft and did not survive. Other fatalities, including one small child, are believed to be workers and residents in the immediate crash area. The current death toll is 11, though officials warned that this may rise due to the search being complicated by unstable debris and ongoing flare-ups from residual fuel.

The fire forced Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear to declare a state of emergency and close multiple nearby streets and neighborhoods. Residents have been told not to drink tap water due to contamination risks, and roughly 230 customers remain without gas or electricity. Emergency shelters were opened for displaced families.

As for the airport, all flights were suspended until the following morning. Operations resumed with dozens of flights already canceled and several taxiways still closed. UPS, whose Worldport hub is in Louisville, has temporarily halted operations in Louisville while damage assessments continue.

FMI: www.ups.com