The aircraft, which was headed to Honolulu, erupted in flames moments after departing around 5:15 p.m. local time. Witnesses reported hearing a loud explosion before seeing massive plumes of thick black smoke rise into the sky.

Officials confirmed that the three crew members onboard were among the victims. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear described the crash as “incredibly violent,” warning that the number of casualties could still rise as recovery efforts continue.

Emergency crews rushed to the scene as the burning wreckage spread to nearby businesses, including a petroleum recycling company. The plane, carrying over 38,000 gallons of fuel, skidded off the runway and exploded, engulfing at least two structures in flames.

Residents living within five miles of the airport were initially told to stay indoors due to the risk of additional explosions and air contamination. The order was later reduced to a one-mile radius after firefighters managed to contain most of the blaze.

Louisville Fire Chief Brian O’Neill said hundreds of firefighters from across the region were deployed to battle the inferno and carefully search for victims. “This was a large-scale incident that required extensive coordination,” he said.

Authorities have not yet determined what caused the crash. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is expected to begin its investigation once the area is declared safe.

The aircraft involved was a 34-year-old MD-11F jet, originally built by McDonnell Douglas before being acquired by UPS in 2006. The company said it was “deeply saddened” by the tragedy and temporarily halted operations at its Worldport hub in Louisville, which serves as its largest global sorting facility.

Local leaders described the disaster as a heartbreaking moment for the city, where many residents have ties to UPS. “Louisville is a UPS town,” said one city official. “Everyone knows someone who works there, and people are checking on their loved ones tonight.”

Mayor Craig Greenberg called the crash “an unimaginable tragedy” and thanked first responders for their swift action.

As investigators work to uncover what went wrong, the Louisville community mourns a loss that will be felt for years to come.

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