At Least Nine Dead in Fiery UPS Cargo Plane Crash at Louisville, KY, Airport
Lexington Herald-Leader
(TNS)
he death toll from the UPS plane crash in Louisville increased to nine Wednesday morning, said Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg.
The death toll was seven on Tuesday night, but Greenberg and Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said they expected that number to increase. Beshear said the number could possibly climb even higher as the search continues Wednesday.
There were still 16 families that reported missing loved ones before the death toll climbed from seven to nine, Beshear said.
“Continue to keep these victims and their families in your prayers,” Greenberg said Wednesday morning. “The families that are still looking for information about their loved ones, we’re working to get them that information as quickly as possible.”
The death toll was one of several overnight and early Wednesday updates. Here’s what to know.
Shelter-in-place area
The shelter-in-place area has been reduced to within a quarter-mile from the crash site. Greenberg said officials monitored the air quality overnight and will continue to do so indefinitely.
Airport reopens
Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport reopened Wednesday after halting several departing and arriving flights after the crash. The airport said runway 11/29 is open, and the airport is available for aircraft operations.
Multiple taxiways still remain closed, said the Federal Aviation Administration.
“Anyone scheduled to depart or arrive at SDF today is encouraged to closely monitor their flight status as delays and cancellations are likely following yesterday’s incident,” the airport said in a post on X.
Greenberg thanks Lexington Mayor for assistance
Several agencies outside of Louisville responded to the crash site to assist officials, including members of the Lexington Fire Department. Greenberg thanked Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton for sending additional help to Louisville.
“I also want to send a giant thanks, once again, to all the first responders, all the firefighters and other first responders around the Louisville area, and around the entire region and state,” Greenberg said. “Thank Mayor Gorton for sending in some equipment and individuals from Lexington to support as well. This is just one of those opportunities to once again, thank our first responders, who are performing heroic work every day, but when you see it in such a tragic, large form, it’s important to give public thanks as well.”
The Lexington Fire Department said it sent seven total firefighters and three apparatus, including a foam trailer, to Louisville to assist. Gorton said she is keeping those impacted by the plane crash in her thoughts.
©2025 Lexington Herald-Leader. Visit kentucky.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Listen to Incident Audio Below
A huge plume of smoke could be seen on traffic cameras in the area of the Louisville International Airport in Jefferson County.
The police department said Grade Lane will be closed indefinitely between Stooges and Crittenden.
In a post on the social media platform X, Gov. Andy Beshear said he was on his way to Louisville and asked people to “please pray for the pilots, crew and everyone affected. We will share more soon.”
“The situation is serious,” he said.
Greenberg told WAVE television he was out of the city but was on his way back to town Tuesday evening.
All flights in and out of the airport were temporarily suspended and the airfield was closed Tuesday evening, the airport said in a social media post.
“Passengers should closely monitor their flight status via their airline’s website or mobile app,” the FlyLouisville account on the social media platform X stated.
The crash caused traffic snarls around the city Tuesday evening.
_____
©2025 Lexington Herald-Leader. Visit kentucky.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.