At least 7 dead after plane crash near Louisville airport

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE) – Gov. Andy Beshear has confirmed at least seven people are dead following a plane crash Tuesday near Louisville International Airport.

The first report of the crash came in at approximately 5:15 p.m. EST, according to the governor’s office.

UPS flight 2976 from Louisville was heading to Honolulu with three crewmembers on board, offi ials say. The plane was involved in a catastrophic crash just beyond the takeoff runway. While the governor’s office says there was no hazardous cargo on board, impacts can create dangerous conditions and items on the ground where the crash took place could also cause potential hazards.

The radius for those instructed to shelter in place has been adjusted to anything north of the airport and extending to the Ohio River. This area includes South Louisville, Old Louisville and downtown.

Two businesses were directly impacted, which include Kentucky Petroleum Recycling and Grade A Auto Parts.

“First responders are onsite and working hard to extinguish the fire and continue the investigation,” Beshear stated Tuesday night. “Air monitoring assets have been deployed, and we are working to keep the public informed and keep folks in the area safe. We will share more information as it’s available. Please, pray for the families affected, Louisville and all of Kentucky. We are hurting right now after a heartbreaking day.”

News 40 will provide additional information as it is released.