LOUISVILLE, Ky. —

A UPS plane exploded on the runway during takeoff at the Louisville Airport Tuesday, leaving a dozen people dead, with others unaccounted for as of Wednesday evening.

Many families who knew loved ones near the crash scene are bracing for the worst as they hold out hope that their loved ones will be found. Advertisement

The crash, which happened around 5:15 p.m. Tuesday , caused a massive fire, smoke spanning a half a mile around the airport. The MD-11 plane crashed during takeoff at the Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport. Three crew members were on board.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said they are moving from rescue to recovery mode, as they do not expect to find anyone else alive in the wreckage.

The governor also declared a state of emergency to allow t

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