Topline
Gov. Andy Beshear, D-Ky., said at least three people are dead following a “catastrophic” plane crash near Louisville International Airport on Tuesday, as first responders work to put out a large blaze caused by the incident.
Key Facts
Beshear told reporters at least three are dead and 11 are injured, saying he believes both numbers are going to increase as law enforcement continues responding to the crash.
The status of the three-person crew was not known as of shortly before 8 p.m. EST, Beshear said.
The governor said a business near the airport, Kentucky Petroleum Recycling, “looks like they were hit pretty directly” and two employees are unaccounted for.
Another business, Grade A Auto Parts, also sustained damage, while the nearby Ford Louisville Assembly Plant was not hit but has lost power, according to Beshear.
The Federal Aviation Administration tweeted that UPS Flight 2976, en route to Honolulu, crashed around 5:15 p.m. EST.
Louisville police issued an ongoing shelter-in-place for all locations within five miles of the airport, which is one of the busiest cargo airports in the world and is the home of UPS’ global air freight hub.
Aerial footage from CBS affiliate WLKY News showed a large area beyond an airport runway seemingly set ablaze by the crash.
Is The Cause Of The Crash Known?
Not as of Tuesday night. Officials said they would not provide information on a cause until the National Transportation Safety Board completes its investigation. Officials added the crash site will remain an active scene for the coming days.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
