UPDATE: A devastating crash involving a UPS cargo plane at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport has left at least seven people dead and 11 injured. The incident occurred on April 11, 2023, during takeoff, when the aircraft burst into flames, sending shockwaves through the area.
Witness Sabit Aliyev, 40, was working at Kentucky Truck Parts & Services near the airport when the plane went down. He described the terrifying moment, saying he was “knocked down” by the force of the explosion. “It was a normal working day, and then boom, there was an explosion,” Aliyev recounted. Video footage captured by him shows thick black smoke billowing into the sky.
The explosion occurred shortly after 5:15 PM as Aliyev turned to head into the shop. “The wave of the explosion knocked us down,” he explained. “When we saw the fire, we just ran for our lives.” The intensity of the blast left the surrounding area enveloped in smoke, complicating escape efforts for those trapped inside nearby buildings.
According to Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, the fire has since been contained, but a search for 16 people who remain unaccounted for is ongoing. The situation is critical, and emergency services are working tirelessly to locate missing individuals.
The impact of this tragedy is felt deeply in the local community, as residents grapple with the loss and the chaos that unfolded. The Louisville Airport is expected to reopen today, but the emotional toll on witnesses and families affected by this disaster will last much longer.
As updates continue to emerge, officials urge everyone to stay tuned for further information. The investigation into the cause of the crash is also underway, with authorities confirming that they will provide more details as they become available.
Stay informed as this urgent story develops, and keep those affected in your thoughts during this difficult time.
