A UPS cargo plane crashed and exploded on Tuesday while taking off from Louisville, Kentucky, resulting in at least three fatalities and 11 injuries. The incident occurred around 5:15 p.m. local time as the aircraft was departing for Honolulu from Muhammad Ali International Airport, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear confirmed the casualties, stating, "Right now we believe we have at least three fatalities, though I believe that number is going to get larger. We have at least 11 injuries, some of them very significant." Video footage captured flames erupting from the plane's left wing, followed by a massive fireball as the aircraft lifted slightly off the ground before crashing.

The crash site showed significant damage, including parts of a building's roof shredded by the impact. Beshear described the scene as violent, saying, "Anybody who has seen the images, the video, knows how violent this crash is." The plane involved was a McDonnell Douglas MD-11, manufactured in 1991, and had three crew members on board.

The Louisville airport, which serves as UPS's largest package handling facility, was closed following the crash. The hub operates 300 daily flights and processes over 400,000 packages each hour. Mayor Craig Greenberg expressed concern about the situation, noting that the fuel on the plane posed an extreme risk. He stated, "It is still a very dangerous situation with different flammables or potentially explosive materials."

In response to the crash, a shelter-in-place order was issued for areas north of the airport extending to the Ohio River. This area includes residential neighborhoods, a water park, and museums, all located just a short drive from downtown Louisville.

Witnesses reported hearing a loud explosion. Destyn Mitchell, who was working at a nearby restaurant, described the atmosphere as shaken, with patrons quickly leaving the establishment. "The mood in the restaurant was very shaken up," she said. "Everyone is really concerned."

The crash has prompted a large emergency response, with law enforcement and fire agencies on the scene. Louisville Police Chief Paul Humphrey indicated that the area would remain an active scene for several days as authorities work to ensure safety and investigate the incident.

As the situation develops, officials continue to monitor the impact on the community and provide updates on the status of those affected by the crash.