Plane Crash at Louisville Airport Causes Fire and Injuries

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Emergency crews are responding to a plane crash at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport on Tuesday. The incident was reported shortly after 5 p.m. near Fern Valley Road and Grade Lane.

According to Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, multiple agencies, including local police and fire personnel, are on the scene addressing a significant fire following the crash. A large plume of smoke was visible from traffic cameras south of the airport around 5:30 p.m.

Officials confirmed that injuries have been reported, though their severity is still unknown. The public is advised to avoid the area as the scene remains active with fire and debris.

A shelter-in-place order has been issued for locations within five miles of the airport. Grade Lane will be closed indefinitely between Stooge and Crittenden, and all flight operations at the airport are currently halted.

Preliminary reports indicate the crash may involve a cargo aircraft operated by UPS Airlines. A UPS representative confirmed that one of its planes is involved, but further details have not been disclosed at this time.

The aircraft is reported to be a 34-year-old UPS MD-11 that was taking off from Louisville bound for Honolulu as flight 5X2976. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

WHAS11 has dispatched a crew to the scene to gather more information as updates are expected.