Louisville Airport UPS Plane Crash: A tragic accident unfolded at Muhammad Ali International Airport in Louisville, Kentucky on November 4, 2025, when UPS Flight 2976, a McDonnell Douglas MD-11 cargo aircraft, crashed and burst into flames shortly after takeoff. The disaster has claimed at least seven lives and left 11 people injured, with officials fearing the numbers could rise further as investigations continue.​
How UPS Plane Crash in Louisville: What Happened?

The UPS cargo plane was departing for Honolulu when witnesses noticed flames burning on its left wing. Video shared on social media—captioned “Insane footage posted on Instagram which appears to show the crash”—shows the jet briefly lifting off the ground before crashing and exploding in an enormous fireball near the airport. Much of the city saw thick black smoke billowing up as emergency sirens sounded. The blast tore the roof from a nearby building and scattered debris across local businesses near the runway.
Watch Viral Video of Louisville UPS Plane Crash that Goes Viral
The shocking moment was captured in a viral Instagram video showing the UPS Flight 2976 disaster unfold live.
Insane footage posted on Instagram which appears the show the crash earlier of UPS Flight 2976, a McDonnell Douglas MD-11 Cargo Plane operated by UPS Airlines, during takeoff at Muhammad Ali International Airport in Louisville, Kentucky. Prior to the crash, a clear fire can been… pic.twitter.com/RpKJoNQekW
— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) November 4, 2025
Louisville Plane Crash Deaths and Injuries: Official Numbers
According to Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, at least seven people have died; officials confirmed that some victims were not on the plane itself, as pieces of the wreckage hit nearby structures. Eleven people suffered injuries, with several reported as “very significant.” Two of the injured are in critical condition at local hospitals, while others are expected to recover. The three crew members’ status is still being evaluated, and officials warned the death toll may increase as more details emerge from the crash scene.​
UPS Kentucky Plane Crash: Emergency Response
Firefighters, police, and medical teams rushed to the scene within minutes, fighting to control the massive blaze fed by thousands of gallons of jet fuel. Mayor Craig Greenberg explained that the plane carried about 280,000 gallons of fuel, making the fire extremely dangerous. Officers issued a shelter-in-place order for neighborhoods north of the airport and advised nearby residents to stay inside. Meanwhile, the airport temporarily shut down all flights, and sorting operations at UPS’s Worldport hub—which manages 300 flights and 400,000 packages per hour—were halted.​
UPS Plane Crash Explodes: Investigations and Updates
As the investigation continues, experts believe a possible engine fire triggered the disaster and plane crashed, but official causes have not yet been confirmed. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and FAA are leading the inquiry. Governor Beshear and city officials have promised transparent updates in coming days as recovery teams work at the crash site and as families await news of loved ones.​ We also got another video from outside of the airport filmed from a car, there is chaos everywhere...
BREAKING🚨: A UPS plane reportedly had 280,000 gallons, likely misstated and should be pounds, of fuel when it crashed near an airport in Kentucky, after departing from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport. There were 3 souls on board.
— Melissa Hallman (@dotconnectinga) November 4, 2025
Reports indicate the UPS Flight… pic.twitter.com/G0GB7CbDld
Louisville Plane Crash Emergency Resources
-
Shelter-in-place order issued for neighborhoods north of the airport
-
Louisville Metro Police, Fire, and EMS remain on active scene
-
Local hospitals treating multiple burn victims and other injuries
-
UPS Worldport facility operations suspended pending further notice​