The death toll from a cargo plane crash in the southern US state of Kentucky rose to 11 on Wednesday, with investigators saying the accident was caused by one of the engines catching fire and detaching during takeoff.

The McDonnell Douglas MD-11, operated by package delivery giant UPS and bound for Hawaii, crashed at 5:15 pm (2215 GMT) Tuesday, shortly after departing from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport.

It exploded into flames as it plowed into businesses adjacent to the airport, killing multiple people on the ground. A three-person crew was aboard.

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear called the tragedy "heartbreaking" and "unimaginable."

The death toll "is now up to 11. I expect it to reach 12, possibly by the end of the day," he said, adding that a search was underway for

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