UPS plane crashes near Louisville airport, killing at least 12; black boxes recovered

At least twelve people lost their lives and more than a dozen were injured when a UPS cargo plane crashed shortly after takeoff near Louisville International Airport in Kentucky on Tuesday, officials reported. Authorities cautioned that the number of fatalities could rise as several individuals remain missing.

Investigation and recovery efforts

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched an investigation into the crash and confirmed on Wednesday that flight data recorders, commonly known as black boxes, have been recovered for analysis.

Statements from officials

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear and Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg addressed the public, noting that as of Wednesday evening, fourteen people were still unaccounted for. Governor Beshear also said that the situation remained critical as search teams continued their work.

“A handful of other people that we're still searching for,” Beshear stated during a Wednesday afternoon briefing. “We do not expect to find anyone else alive.”

Beshear added that one of the victims is believed to be a young child. He declared a state of emergency to support ongoing rescue and recovery operations.

Victim identification

Officials said that none of the victims had been identified as of Wednesday afternoon. Louisville Mayor Greenberg noted that the Jefferson County Coroner was on the scene to conduct identifications and assist families.

Summary

The crash of a UPS cargo plane near Louisville left at least 12 dead and several missing as investigations continue into the cause and recovery teams work to identify victims.

Author’s summary: A UPS aircraft crash near Louisville claimed 12 lives and left several missing; investigators recovered the plane’s black boxes to determine the cause.

CBS News — 2025-11-06