UPDATE: At Least 9 Dead And Several Unaccounted For In UPS Plane Crash In Kentucky

Authorities have given an update on the UPS plane crash in Louisville Kentucky.

On Tuesday evening, a UPS plane at the Louisville Airport exploded on the runway while it was taking off.

Authorities have now reported 11 people have been confirmed dead from the explosion and many are still unaccounted for.

WLWT provided further details of the plane crash:

A UPS plane exploded on the runway during takeoff at the Louisville Airport, leaving at least nine people dead, 11 injured and many still unaccounted for.

The crash, which happened around 5:15 p.m. Tuesday, caused a massive fire, with giant plumes of smoke spanning nearly a mile around the airport. The MD-11 plane crashed during takeoff at the Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport. Three crew members were on board, UPS confirmed.

The coroner is on scene and will be the source of identifying individuals.

Video of the incident shows the plane trying to takeoff, catching fire and bursting into flames.

In an update Wednesday, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said the number of deaths has risen to 9, with the number expected to rise by at least one.

“There have been over 200 first responders that were on the scene last night and there is a significant amount of resources in the search and rescue and, ultimately, what is by now the recovery effort that is occurring,” Beshear said.

Beshear said by the afternoon he believes they will have a good grasp on the number of fatalities and number of missing persons.

The governor also declared a state of emergency to allow the state to move resources quickly to be used, including the national guard and other disaster resources and expenses related to response and reimbursement. He also launched the Team Kentucky Emergency Relief Fund, with every dollar being donated to those impacted, for funerals, response, recovery and rebuilding.

The crash was caught on video:

WATCH: Dashcam footage shows truck driver reacting to deadly UPS plane crash in Louisville, Kentucky.pic.twitter.com/WbJX0k1fae

— AZ Intel (@AZ_Intel_) November 5, 2025

More angles:

Louisville, KY plane crash was an outbound UPS flight to Honolulu. Looks like the left wing/engine was on fire during the takeoff roll. pic.twitter.com/DimVcO0Qv5

— Anthony Cerullo (@anthonycerullo) November 4, 2025

AP reported more details on the victims of the deadly crash:

The National Transportation Safety Board was at the scene with investigators. Beshear again predicted the death toll would grow, noting that 16 families had gathered at a reunification center for news of loved ones.

“I don’t know how many victims we’re actually looking for,” Little said. “That’s one of the issues, and the debris zone is so large. Some of that debris is going to have to be moved and searched underneath. It will take us quite awhile.”

University of Louisville Hospital said two people were in critical condition in the burn unit Wednesday and that 13 others had been treated and discharged. Five people were treated at other hospitals.

Police blocked off a busy road about a quarter-mile from the crash site Wednesday. UPS workers could be seen entering and exiting the UPS Worldport building, and at least two company flights were seen taking off.

The airport is 7 miles (11.2 kilometers) from downtown Louisville, close to the Indiana state line, residential areas, a water park and museums. People in the immediate area were told not to drink tap water.

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