The number of fatalities from the tragic UPS plane crash that occurred in Louisville on Tuesday night has climbed to at least nine. Kentucky’s governor has indicated that over a dozen families have reported their loved ones missing, and this number could still increase.
“Today will be a challenging day for Kentucky following yesterday’s plane crash,” Governor Andy Beshear stated Wednesday morning.
“The count of missing individuals has now reached at least nine, and it may grow further,” he added.
According to the governor, 16 families have reached out at the reunification center regarding missing relatives.
Beshear mentioned that a “massive” search and rescue operation was initiated overnight and is still ongoing this morning. His office plans to hold a press briefing at 11:30 a.m. ET to provide further updates.
UPS Flight 2976, which was transporting three crew members along with 50,000 gallons of jet fuel, tragically exploded in a large fireball at approximately 5:15 p.m. Tuesday, just 13 minutes after departing, as reported by the Federal Aviation Administration.
Dramatic footage captured the moment a plane, destined for Hawaii, appeared to veer off the runway with one wing ablaze before tipping sideways and crashing at Muhammad Ali International Airport.
In response to the incident, UPS expressed that it was “deeply saddened” and extended its “heartfelt thoughts” to everyone affected.
The company stated, “We are working closely with the National Transportation Safety Board’s investigation and maintaining communication with the Federal Aviation Administration. We’ll continue to put in the effort alongside state and local agencies.”
