Tragedy has struck in Louisville, Kentucky, after a UPS MD-11 cargo plane crashed into a truck stop near the Louisville International Airport, erupting into flames and leaving a devastating trail of destruction. Authorities have now confirmed that at least four people have been killed and 11 others injured, including a former NFL player for the Kansas City Chiefs.
According to officials, the aircraft went down shortly after takeoff early Wednesday morning, losing control before slamming into the busy truck stop off Interstate 65. Witnesses described a scene of chaos and horror — with explosions, fire, and thick black smoke billowing into the sky.
Emergency responders rushed to the site within minutes, battling the blaze for hours before finally bringing it under control. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched a full investigation to determine the cause of the crash, which remains unclear at this time.
Among the victims was reportedly a former Kansas City Chiefs football player, whose identity has not yet been publicly released pending family notification. The news has sent shockwaves through both the NFL community and the city of Louisville, with fans and teammates expressing grief and disbelief across social media.
UPS released an official statement expressing “deep sorrow” for the loss of life and confirming full cooperation with federal investigators:
“Our hearts go out to everyone affected by this unimaginable tragedy — especially the families of those lost.”
As authorities continue recovery efforts and the investigation unfolds, the nation mourns another heartbreaking reminder of how fragile life can be.