UPS plane crash Kentucky: At least seven dead after cargo plane crashes on take-off
At least seven people have been killed after a cargo plane crashed on take-off.
The tragedy happened in Louisville Kentucky on Tuesday evening when a UPs plane exploded as it left Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport at around 5.15pm local time (10.15pm UK time).
Kentucky governor Andy Beshear said the plane's three crew members were likely to be among the dead and at least 11 other people were injured when the plane crashed, sending thick plumes of black smoke into the sky. It hit a car business.
Officials warned that people suffered "very significant" injuries in the incident and the death toll could rise.
In a statement, UPS said three crew members were on board, adding "we have not confirmed any injuries/casualties". There has been no confirmation of what caused the crash but as the plane was headed for Hawaii it was carrying a lot of fuel - estimated at 38,000 gallons (144,000 litres).
It has not been confirmed what cargo was on board.
The airport said on X that all departing flights for Tuesday evening were cancelled.
Louisville Fire Department chief Brian O'Neal said the amount of fuel spilled at the crash site made it a "very dangerous situation".
An order warning people to shelter in place was reduced from a five-mile radius from the airport to a one-mile radius as crews worked to contain the blaze on Tuesday night.