Louisville, Kentucky – Chaos erupted near the Muhammad Ali International Airport after a UPS cargo plane crashed shortly after takeoff, striking multiple buildings and causing a chain of explosions that rocked the surrounding area.
Witnesses reported hearing a thunderous boom moments after the plane lifted off, followed by a bright flash and heavy black smoke that quickly filled the sky. “It looked like a fireball,” one local resident said. “Everything shook, and we could feel the heat from blocks away.”
Emergency services from across the region rushed to the scene. Firefighters are battling multiple blazes, while rescue crews continue searching the wreckage for survivors. At least several people have been reported injured, though officials have not yet confirmed the total number or their conditions.
The crash prompted immediate evacuation orders in parts of the nearby industrial zone. Authorities also issued a shelter-in-place order within a five-mile radius due to concerns about toxic smoke and possible secondary explosions from fuel or hazardous materials.
UPS has yet to release a statement regarding the cause of the crash, but federal investigators from the NTSB and FAA have arrived on-site to begin a full investigation. Early reports suggest the aircraft experienced a “critical malfunction” shortly after departure.
Residents have been advised to avoid the area and keep windows closed as crews work through the night to contain the fires and assess the damage. More updates are expected as emergency teams continue operations into the morning hours.
🚨#BREAKING: A major emergency response is currently underway after a UPS cargo plane crashed, leaving multiple people injured a shelter-in-place order within a five-mile radius of the airport.
— R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) November 4, 2025
📌#Louisville | #Kentucky
A significant emergency response is currently underway in… pic.twitter.com/hxw8yQdNBa