A massive blaze continues to rage hours after a UPS cargo aircraft crashed during takeoff at Louisville International Airport in Kentucky on Wednesday evening.
Local authorities confirmed that at least seven people have died, with the death toll expected to rise as rescue operations are still underway. At least 11 individuals are being treated for injuries, while several others remain missing.
Residents living near the airport have been advised to stay indoors as thick smoke and toxic fumes blanket nearby neighborhoods. The plane was reportedly carrying around 38,000 gallons of fuel when it exploded, setting off fires that engulfed nearby warehouses and businesses.
UPS said three crew members were on board Flight 2976, which was bound for Hawaii, and all three remain unaccounted for.
According to the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the aircraft went down shortly after takeoff around 5:15 p.m. local time. Emergency teams from several counties have been dispatched to contain the fire and search for possible survivors.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the crash.
