UPDATE: A UPS cargo plane crash at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport has resulted in at least seven fatalities and eleven injuries. The devastating incident occurred yesterday, April 11, 2023, during takeoff, and eyewitness accounts reveal the chaos that ensued.
Witness Sabit Aliyev, 40, was working at Kentucky Truck Parts & Services when he experienced the terrifying moment the plane exploded. He described the scene as “normal” until the moment of impact, stating, “As soon as I turned my back, I heard the explosion and was knocked over by the sheer force of the blast.”
Dramatic video footage captured by Aliyev shows thick black smoke rising into the sky immediately after the crash, emphasizing the severity of the situation. “I have never experienced anything like that in my life,” he added, recounting how the blast knocked him down and left him scrambling for safety as flames engulfed the area. “We just ran for our lives. We were pretty much trapped in the building as the smoke was so bad.”
According to reports from Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, the fire has been contained but the search for sixteen missing individuals is ongoing. “Our thoughts are with the families affected by this tragedy,” Governor Beshear stated during a press conference.
Emergency responders rushed to the scene, working tirelessly to assist those injured and search for survivors. The airport, which has been the site of this tragic event, is expected to reopen later today, providing critical updates to travelers and the community.
As investigations continue, authorities are urging anyone with information or who may have witnessed the event to come forward. The community is left in shock as the reality of this catastrophic accident sinks in.
Stay tuned as we bring you the latest developments on this unfolding story. This incident is not just a tragedy for those directly impacted but a heartbreaking reminder of the risks associated with air travel.
