UPS Plane Crashes Near Louisville Airport, Killing at Least 12
A UPS plane crashed shortly after takeoff near Louisville International Airport in Kentucky on Tuesday, resulting in at least 12 confirmed fatalities and injuring more than a dozen others, officials reported.
Ongoing Investigation and Recovery Efforts
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) launched an investigation into the crash and announced on Wednesday afternoon that the black boxes recording the plane's data have been recovered.
Fatalities and Missing Persons
- The death toll increased multiple times on Wednesday.
- Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear and Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg warned the number was expected to rise as several people remain unaccounted for.
- At least 14 individuals were reported missing as of Wednesday night, according to the governor's office.
- The plane carried three UPS crew members, but their status had not been confirmed by Wednesday.
- Governor Beshear mentioned at a news briefing that "there were a handful of other people that we're still searching for."
- One of the victims is believed to be a young child.
- "We do not expect to find anyone else alive," said Beshear.
Official Responses
Governor Beshear declared a state of emergency on Wednesday following the tragedy. None of the victims had been identified as of Wednesday afternoon.
Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg stated, "The Jefferson County Coroner has been at the scene and will make identifications."
The situation remains critical as search and rescue operations continue.
Author's Summary
The UPS plane crash near Louisville has resulted in numerous casualties, with authorities continuing search efforts amid an ongoing investigation and state emergency.