Emergency Crews are responding to a reported plane crash near the Louisville Muhammed Ali International Airport.
On Tuesday November 4th, around 5:14 pm, a crash was reported near Fern Valley and Grade Lane, also near the Ford Louisville Assembly Plant.
UPS Flight 2976 crashed near the airport, just after 5 pm, according to LMPD. Three pilots have been reported injured, though their conditions, and whether there were any fatalities, remain unconfirmed.
The flight was headed to Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu, according to a statement from the FAA, who is investigating the crash along with the National Transportation Safety Board. The plane crashed when departing the West Runway, according to the airport.
The scene is still active with fire and debris, and the public is advised to avoid the area. A shelter-in-place has been issued within a 5-mile radius of the airport. Police encourage people in areas north of the airport to to the Ohio River to shelter in place.
All arriving and departing flights from the airport have been temporarily suspended and the airfield was closed, the airport states.
A video from the scene showed a fire and black smoke rising from an area appearing to be near the tarmac. The flight was prepared for the journey to Honolulu, meaning it was fully fueled, leading to the large fire. The fire has now spread to nearby facilities.
A post from the LMPD reports that “Grade lane will be closed indefinitely between Stooge[‘s Bar] and Crittenden.”
Governor Andy Beshear stated that he is aware of the crash, and asks that Kentuckians pray for those involved.
“Kentucky, we are aware of a reported plane crash near Louisville International Airport. First responders are onsite, and we will share more information as available. Please pray for the pilots, crew and everyone affected. We will share more soon.”
