UPS Flight Involved in Crash Near Louisville Airport
Authorities have now released comprehensive details regarding the devastating UPS plane crash near Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport on the evening of Tuesday, November 4, 2025.
The incident involved UPS Flight 2976, a McDonnell Douglas MD-11 cargo aircraft, which went down shortly after taking off en route to Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu, Hawaii.
What began as a routine Tuesday evening quickly transformed into a scene of chaos, emergency response, and heartbreak for the Louisville community.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the crash occurred at approximately 5:15 p.m. local time.
In a statement posted on social media, the FAA confirmed that the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will lead the investigation, emphasizing that all information released at this stage is preliminary and subject to change as officials gather more data from the crash site. “The FAA and NTSB will investigate.
The NTSB will lead the investigation and provide all updates,” the statement read.
Authorities are stressing the importance of public patience as the investigation continues, and they have warned that more details about the crash and its aftermath are expected to emerge in the coming days.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear addressed the media, sharing his sorrow over the tragedy and calling for prayers and support for families affected.
“Please, pray for the families affected, Louisville, and all of Kentucky. We are hurting right now after a heartbreaking day,” Beshear said.
He also cautioned that hazardous materials may have been on board, noting that the impact could create environmental risks.
can’t confirm that there was no specifically hazardous cargo onboard of the plane that would create an environmental issue for those around the site, but the impact and where it impacted could create those types of situations.
So, please, if there is a shelter in place, follow it,” Beshear added.
The response to the crash has been extensive. Emergency services from across Kentucky and the Louisville region immediately mobilized, including the Kentucky National Guard, Kentucky Office of Homeland Security, Louisville Fire Department, Lexington Fire Department, Bardstown Fire Department, Shepherdsville Fire Department, Louisville Emergency Management, Fern Creek Fire Department, and Pleasure Ridge Park Fire Department.
Additional teams from Fairdale Fire Department, Anchorage Middletown Fire Department, Jefferson Town Fire Department, Airport Police Department, Louisville Metro Police, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Saint Matthews Police Department, Shively Police Department, Kentucky State Police, Louisville Metro EMS, MSD, Louisville Gas and Electric (LG&E), and Kentucky Emergency Management also responded to the disaster site.
Initial reports indicated at least three fatalities and more than 11 injuries, some of which were classified as severe and required immediate hospitalization.
As the night progressed, authorities confirmed that the death toll had risen to at least seven.
Victim support measures were quickly established, including a family reunification center at the Louisville Metro Police Training Academy, 2911 Taylor Boulevard, where personnel are assisting family members seeking information about loved ones.
