UPS Plane Crashes Near Louisville Airport, Killing at Least 12
At least twelve people were killed and more than a dozen injured after a UPS cargo plane crashed shortly after taking off near Louisville International Airport in Kentucky on Tuesday, state officials reported.
Investigation and Recovery Efforts
The National Transportation Safety Board opened an investigation and confirmed Wednesday that it had recovered the aircraft’s black boxes, which record flight data and cockpit communication.
Rising Death Toll and Missing Individuals
The number of fatalities increased several times throughout Wednesday as search operations continued. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear and Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg cautioned that more deaths were likely, as several people were still missing.
According to the governor’s office, as of Wednesday night, at least fourteen individuals remained unaccounted for. The plane had three UPS crew members aboard, though authorities had not yet confirmed whether they were among the victims.
“We do not expect to find anyone else alive,” said Governor Beshear, adding that one of the victims is believed to be a young child.
Emergency Measures and Identification Process
Beshear declared a state of emergency on Wednesday afternoon. None of the victims had been identified by that time. Mayor Greenberg said the Jefferson County Coroner was at the crash site and will handle the identification process.
Author’s Summary
The Louisville UPS plane tragedy claimed at least 12 lives, with more missing as officials continue recovery efforts and investigate the cause.