Aviation disaster strikes: A US cargo plane has crashed during takeoff, resulting in a massive fireball that has shocked the world.
This tragic event unfolded at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport in Kentucky, a major hub for UPS. The aircraft, a wide-body McDonnell Douglas MD-11, was destined for Honolulu, Hawaii, with three crew members on board. Flight tracking data identified the flight as UPS2976.
The crash occurred around 5:15 PM on Tuesday (9:15 AM AEDT), as confirmed by the US Federal Aviation Administration. The National Transportation Safety Bureau is now leading the investigation to determine the cause.
UPS has released a statement acknowledging the incident. "At this time, we have not confirmed any injuries/casualties," they stated, promising to provide more information as it becomes available. But here's where it gets controversial...
Social media has already begun to circulate videos purportedly depicting the crash. One video shows the plane struggling to take off, with a visible ball of fire erupting from its left wing before the plane went down.
The Louisville Metro Police Department, along with multiple other agencies, is responding to the scene. Initial reports indicate injuries, and the crash site is near the intersection of Fern Valley and Grade Lane, which borders the southern end of the airfield.
CNN reported that a local affiliate's helicopter footage revealed flames engulfing a car recycling yard and a trucking lot. Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg has expressed his concern, urging motorists to avoid the area.
"We have every emergency agency responding to the scene. There are multiple injuries and the fire is still burning," Mayor Greenberg stated.
And this is the part most people miss... The MD-11, a large aircraft, can carry approximately 38,000 gallons of fuel, or around 146,000 kilograms. Given the flight's destination, it's highly probable that the plane was carrying a full fuel load.
This is a developing story, and more information will be released as it becomes available. What are your thoughts on this tragic event? Do you have any questions or insights to share? Let's discuss in the comments below.
