The separation of the engine led to a fatal crash of a UPS cargo jet in Kentucky, resulting in the deaths of 12 individuals

06 November 2025 , 10:21

621     0

The separation of the engine led to a fatal crash of a UPS cargo jet in Kentucky, resulting in the deaths of 12 individuals

The cargo jet burst into flames and crashed into nearby industrial buildings just moments after it took off from Louisville’s Muhammad Ali International Airport on Tuesday.

A UPS cargo jet that became a fireball as it crashed in Kentucky, killing 12 people, did so after its engine detached during takeoff, investigators say.

Initial investigative details about the crash have been shared this morning as the death toll from the crash after the plane took off from Louisville’s Muhammad Ali International Airport on Tuesday evening rose to 12.

Airport security footage seen by officials showed the left engine detaching from the wing of the 34-year-old McDonnell Douglas MD-11 as it sped down the runway. The jet exploded in flames and crashed into nearby industrial buildings.

National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) official Todd Inman said during a briefing: “We have viewed airport CCTV security coverage, which shows the left engine detaching from the wing during the takeoff roll.

Horse racing hits Netflix as brand new four-part show to focus on Frankie Dettori's final year and Kentucky Derby

“After being cleared for takeoff, a large plume of fire in the area of the left wing occurred during the takeoff roll.”

"There are a lot of different parts of this airplane in a lot of different places," Mr. Inman said, describing a debris field that stretched for approximately half a mile. As a result, he conceded finding survivors seems unlikely despite the continued search of the charred area near the crash.

The plane, bound for Honolulu, managed to lift briefly before crashing beyond the airport fence, striking Kentucky Petroleum Recycling and Grade A Autoparts. A fireball illuminated the night sky, triggering a half-mile-long blaze through the industrial corridor.

Governor Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency Wednesday morning to rush resources to the scene.

Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg has now confirmed the death toll has risen to 12 – including the three UPS crew members, several workers on the ground, and a child. Greenberg wrote on X: “I’m deeply saddened to share that the death toll has risen to 12, with several individuals still unaccounted for.” Another 11 people were injured.

Sophie Walker