A tragic cargo plane crash involving a UPS aircraft departing from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport has claimed the lives of multiple workers connected to a nearby scrap yard and salvage business, as confirmed by the business’s CEO and local media.
According to reporting by WLKY News, the plane — identified as UPS Flight 2976, an MD‑11F tasked with a flight from Louisville to Honolulu — crashed shortly after takeoff on Tuesday evening, causing a massive fireball and debris field that struck adjacent industrial facilities.
In the aftermath of the crash, the CEO of Grade A Auto Parts, Sean Garber, confirmed that all employees who were previously unaccounted for have unfortunately been identified as deceased:
John Loucks, 52
Megan Washburn, 35
One victim whose family requested anonymity
These individuals were working at or delivering to Grade A when the crash occurred. Garber described the day as “a tragic day for the Grade A family, and all their immediate families. May they rest in peace.”
WESH
Officials report that 14 people in total died as a result of the crash — including all three crew members onboard the aircraft and 11 people on the ground.
Investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are leading the inquiry into the cause of the accident, with initial findings indicating the plane’s left engine separated during takeoff, leading to an uncontrollable descent.
WLKY
As the city reels from the disaster, Governor Andy Beshear has declared a state of emergency to expedite response and recovery efforts, and has established the Team Kentucky Emergency Relief Fund to support the affected families.
WLKY This is an active investigation and the death toll could be adjusted as authorities continue working to confirm identities and account for any missing individuals.
WESH