Shocking video emerged, capturing a UPS plane tumbling mid-air and erupting into flames shortly after taking off from a Kentucky airport. A nearby truck driver, who witnessed the terrifying incident, responded with disbelief.
The footage, obtained from a truck’s dashcam parked at Louisville’s Muhammad Ali International Airport, shows UPS Flight 2976 moments before its Tuesday afternoon departure.
As the aircraft became visible, a fireball was already trailing behind it, and in a split second, it flipped and crashed onto a cargo truck compound.
The plane darted out of sight, flames incinerating the area and several trucks in its path.
The driver’s reaction was caught on his camera as a fast-moving fireball illuminated his expression. His astonishment was clear; he reacted by jumping from the cab, exclaiming, “Oh my god! Oh my god!”
Shock registered on the faces of other nearby drivers as they witnessed the explosion unfold.
Tragically, at least nine fatalities have been confirmed, with officials cautioning that the number might increase.
The plane was carrying around 50,000 gallons of fuel at takeoff. Additional footage displayed flames engulfing the left engine as it barreled down the runway, crashing shortly after its front wheels left the ground.
It ultimately struck an oil recycling facility located south of the runway, which led to a massive fire that engaged over 100 firefighters for several hours.
The flight was destined for Hawaii, but three crew members lost their lives. Additionally, at least 16 families reported that their loved ones were missing in the aftermath of the crash.
“We’ve seen this horrific video, and these tragic events affect real people,” Louisville Fire Chief Brian O’Neal remarked during a press conference after the incident. “Let’s take a moment to think about them, their families, and their loved ones,” he added.
