State and local elected officials say at least nine people have died after a United Parcel Service plane crashed after taking off from the Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, creating a large blaze and sending a plume of dark smoke into the air.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said during a Tuesday evening press conference alongside local elected officials and Louisville’s fire and police chiefs that he expected the number of fatalities to rise and urged Kentuckians to pray for affected families. He also said there were at least 11 injuries, with those significantly injured being treated at local hospitals. Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg wrote on social media Wednesday morning that there were nine fatalities at the crash site.

“The toughest moments — and I can say it from perso

See Full Page