A routine Tuesday evening turned tragic when UPS Flight 2976 crashed near Louisville, Kentucky, shortly after takeoff on November 4, 2025, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The McDonnell Douglas MD-11 was en route to Honolulu when it went down around 5:15 p.m., sending smoke rising from the crash site near Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport.

In a statement, the FAA said, “The FAA and NTSB will investigate. The NTSB will lead the investigation and will provide all updates.” Officials stressed the information remains “preliminary and subject to change.” Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear expressed grief, writing, “Please, pray for the families affected… We are hurting right now after a heartbreaking day.”

During a press conference, authorities warned of possible environmental risks, saying, “I can’t confirm that there was no specifically hazardous cargo onboard… please, if there is a shelter in place, follow it.”

Dozens of emergency agencies — including local fire departments, Louisville Metro Police, and Kentucky Emergency Management — rushed to the scene to contain the devastation.

At least three people were confirmed dead and 11 others injured, with officials warning that casualty numbers could rise as investigations and recovery efforts continue.