LOUISVILLE – A UPS MD-11 freight plane crashed and exploded shortly after takeoff at the Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport at around 5:15 p.m. Tuesday. It crashed about three miles south of the airport. UPS says the plane was headed to Hawaii.

Authorities confirmed that at least seven people are dead and 11 others were injured. Gov. Andy Beshear said the numbers could rise as the investigation is ongoing. The three crew members on the plane are presumed dead, and the other four deceased individuals were on the ground.

At least two buildings on the ground, Kentucky Petrolium Recycling and Grade A Auto Parts, were hit by the exploding aircraft, causing a huge fire, flames, and smoke. Hundreds of local firefighters helped contain the blaze.

The FAA stated that the NTSB will le

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