USA – At least 7 people were killed in a UPS cargo plane crash in Kentucky late Tuesday according to local reports.

The cargo plane crashed near Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF) in Louisville.

“The news out of Louisville is tough tonight as the death toll has now reached at least 7, with that number expected to rise,” Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear said on the social platform X.

Earlier, Beshear said 11 injured people were transported to local hospitals.

His remarks came after the United Parcel Service (UPS) said one of their aircraft was involved in a crash Tuesday, prompting the temporary closure of the airfield.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said UPS flight 2976 crashed around 5.15 pm local time (2215GMT) after departing from the airport in Kentucky to Honolulu, Hawaii.

Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg said at a news conference that there were three crew members on the plane.

“The four that we have confirmed dead are not on the plane. Again, we believe it will be seven that we’re aware of at this time,” Greenberg said.

More than 100 firefighters from across the region are still on the scene working, he said, adding there are still hotspots and road closures.

Package Sorting at Worldport Suspended

Earlier, Beshear said there was “no specifically hazardous cargo” on board 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.”

Citing the fire chief, he said the plane was carrying about 38,000 gallons of fuel.

Beshear said he is not going to speculate about the cause.

“That’s for the NTSB to determine, and (we) do not want to interfere in that in any way,” he added.

The Louisville Metro Police Department urged people to continue to shelter in place and avoid contact with smoke from the incident near the airport.

A Victim Family Reunification Center was set up at the Louisville Metro Police Training Academy at 2911 Taylor Blvd.

Separately, UPS said it is halting package sorting operations tonight at Worldport.

National Transportation Safety Board to Hold Briefing on Wednesday

Greenberg said the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is in charge of the probe into the crash and will be the primary source of information about the official investigation.

“I’ve also spoken with a board member from the NTSB who will be arriving tomorrow. Before 10 am, there’ll be 28 folks from NTSB coming,” he added.

NTSB Board Member Todd Inman will serve as the on-scene spokesperson. The investigative team is scheduled to arrive on Wednesday in Kentucky, where they will hold a media briefing.

Greenberg also said that the airport is closed for Tuesday evening and will be open Wednesday morning.

The airport said all arriving and departing flights are temporarily suspended.

“We are also asking the public if they were to find any debris in the area to please avoid touching this debris,” said the airport’s public information officer.