A UPS cargo plane crashed and exploded in a massive fireball while taking off from Louisville's Muhammad Ali International Airport in Kentucky, killing at least three people and injuring 11, with the number of casualties likely to grow. The plane, a McDonnell Douglas MD-11, was headed to Honolulu when it crashed shortly after takeoff around 5:15 p.m. local time.

Details

• The plane reached an altitude of 175 feet and a speed of 184 knots before making a sharp descent
• Video footage shows fire on the left wing and a huge fireball erupting as it hit the ground
• The impact caused significant damage, with multiple buildings set on fire and reports of people trapped
   

Response and Investigation:

• The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are investigating the crash
• The NTSB is leading the investigation and has sent a team to the site
• The cause of the crash is still unknown, but investigators are looking into possible engine failure ² ³
• Boeing, which acquired McDonnell Douglas, is providing technical support to the investigation