Erica Siaulnski, Staff Writer
On Tuesday, November 4th, at around 5:15 pm, a UPS cargo plane ran off the runway shortly after takeoff at a Louisville Kentucky airport. The plane ended up bursting into flames shortly after its takeoff, and the wreckage ended up striking nearby businesses and buildings.
Kentucky Petroleum Recycling was struck as well as Grade A Auto Parts. A quick operation began to stop the flames from spreading and further destroying the surrounding areas. The amount of fuel that the plane was carrying, and then spilled, was deemed dangerous, and those within a five-mile radius were warned of the danger. 12 confirmed casualties have been reported, and more are predicted to follow. Three crew members aboard the plane did not survive.
Over 16 families in the surrounding areas reported loved ones unaccounted for. The search continues yet the debris areas take up over half a mile. That being said, the search could last weeks, and officials have warned, how difficult the search may be difficult due to all the damage done to surrounding areas. Victims’ identities have been difficult to determine due to how horrific the accident was. Survivors were treated for life-threatening wounds at nearby medical centers.
An investigation is already underway to find out what caused the fatal crash. Unreleased CCTV surveillance footage captures the takeoff of the left engine of the plane detaching from the plane. It’s believed that this is what caused the incident. Satellite images that captured the sites of destruction showed images of areas damaged by fire and destruction. It appears that the aircraft went sweeping through areas, leaving just a trail of ash.
A short shelter-in-place was issued as the sites surrounding the incident have been informed of the danger of the air quality and fire destruction in the surrounding areas.
All flights were quickly halted at the airport on the 4th, but some resumed the following day as normal. Of the three runways at the airport where the incident took place, two were open and operating normally as of the 5th. UPS released a statement about the accident on Wednesday, the 5th, apologizing to the families of the victims and stating that they are working with the National Transportation Safety Board investigators as well as local authorities about the incident. UPS Ceo Carol Tomé announced that the company has received support and condolences from all around the world. She also released a statement shortly after the incident, stating, “We have suffered a tragic accident involving Flight 2976. We are deeply saddened, and our hearts continue to be with all who have been impacted.”
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