Footage shows the aircraft taking off from with its left wing in flames before it erupts into a fireball
A UPS cargo plane was carrying 38,000 gallons of jet fuel when it crashed into a petrol recycling plant.
Police and fire crews were called to the scene, near the Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, at around 5pm.
Footage shows the aircraft taking off from the runway with its left wing in flames before it erupts into a fireball.
At least three people have been killed at least 11 more are injured.
Mayor Craig Greenberg said in a social media post the plane was carrying 280,000 pounds of fuel.
Experts later confirmed at a press conference this equated to 38,000 gallons on board.
“There are multiple injuries and the fire is still burning. There are many road closures in the area please avoid the scene,” Mayor Craig Greenberg said in a social media post shortly before 7 p.m. ET.
The aircraft was travelling such large quantities of fuel due to it’s 12-hour scheduled trip to Hawaii.
Two businesses near the airport, Kentucky Petroleum Recycling and Grade A Auto Parts, were impacted by the plane crash and its debris.
Grade A Auto Parts reported all its employees were accounted for, except two.
“We believe we have at least three fatalities. I believe that number is going to get larger,” Governor Andy Beshear said at a press briefing this evening.
“Anybody who has seen the images in the video know how violent this crash is.”
Fire Chief Brian O’Neill said emergency responders continue to search every building in the area for survivors trapped in rubble.
The authorities have warned local residents to stay away from the surrounding area as fire crews continue to battle the inferno.
Congressman Morgan McGarvey said at a press conference: “My heart breaks for the pilots, crew, and their families, and I’m praying for everyone impacted. I’m grateful for the bravery of our first responders as they continue their work throughout the night tonight to respond quickly and heroically to this horrific incident.”
Mayor Greenberg added: “Please join Rachel and me in praying for the crew of UPS flight 2976. This is an incredible tragedy that our community will never forget.
“We are so thankful for our brave first responders who have flooded the scene to help try and control the fire and provide support for any victims on the ground.”
Senator Mitch McConnell continued: “My team and I are closely monitoring developments around the Louisville airport and are in touch with local, state, and federal authorities. Thank you to the first responders on the scene. I encourage everyone in the area to follow emergency and law enforcement guidance.”
Meanwhile, a source has claimed to ABC News there was an engine issue during the plane’s take off which caused UPS Flight 2976 to crash.
Flames could be seen pouring from the left engine area, with the pilots seemingly unaware before it plummeted.
The plane appeared to tip upwards slightly, suggesting the wheels just leave the tarmac, before a colossal fireball mushroomed into the sky.
UPS said: “At approximately 5:20 PM ET tonight, UPS Flight 2976 from Louisville, KY, to Honolulu, an MD-11 with three crewmembers onboard, was involved in an accident in Louisville.
“At this time, we have not confirmed any injuries/casualties.
“UPS will release more facts as they become available, but the National Transportation Safety Board is in charge of the investigation and will be the primary source of information about the official investigation.”
The Federal Aviation Administration said: “The NTSB will lead the investigation and will provide all updates. This information is preliminary and subject to change.”
An SDF spokesperson confirmed the airfield has been closed an advised any passengers to check their journeys before travelling.
A shelter-in-place remains between Outer Loop and the Ohio River, while areas south of Outer Loop are now cleared.
A separate shelter-in-place is active in Jeffersonville, Indiana, from 10th Street to the Ohio River and east along the river to the Port of Indiana.
Louisville Metro Police said there’s still an active scene with “fire and debris.”
Spokesperson Matt Sanders that injuries have been reported, but there is no update on the condition of any victims.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear said: “Kentucky, we are aware of a reported plane crash near Louisville International Airport.
“First responders are onsite, and we will share more information as available.
“Please pray for the pilots, crew and everyone affected. We will share more soon.”
It’s not yet clear what caused the plane to fail so soon into its journey.
FAA records show the plane was 34 years old and Boeing, which shut down the MD-11 program after acquiring it in its merger with McDonnell Douglas, said it would provide technical support to the investigation.
Flightradar24 said the plane had travelled from Louisville to Baltimore earlier on Tuesday before returning to Louisville.
While taking off for the flight to Honolulu the aircraft climbed to an altitude of 175 feet and reached a speed of 184 knots before making a sharp descent, according to data from Flightradar24.