Beshear: Death toll rises to 11 in Louisville plane crash, including child

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE) – Gov. Andy Beshear provided an update Wednesday afternoon on the deadly plane crash near the Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, with a death toll that has now reached 11.

Beshear confirmed the number of fatalities has now reached 11, with one death believed to be that of a young child. The governor says teams are still searching for individuals at this time.

Beshear says this has become a recovery effort instead of a search effort, and they do not expect to find anyone else alive.

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

UPS flight 2976 from Louisville was heading to Honolulu with three crewmembers on board, officials 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 number of those lost has now risen to at least nine, with the possibility of more. Right now these families need prayers, love and support. Let’s wrap our arms around them during this unimaginable time,” Beshear said.

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.”

In addition, the governor has opened up a relief fund to help those affected. To donate, click here. Donations will go directly to those affected and help pay for funerals of those lost.

News 40 will provide additional information as it is released.