LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Nine individuals are still unaccounted for following a UPS cargo plane crash at Muhammad Ali International Airport on Tuesday, according to Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg. The crash resulted in the confirmed deaths of 12 people, with ongoing efforts to identify the victims.

On Wednesday, Mayor Greenberg reported that 15 people were initially reported missing through a family assistance center managed by the Louisville Metro Police Department. Since then, six of those individuals have been located. "We may have located all of the victims; there may be more that have not yet been reported," Greenberg stated. The coroner's office is actively working to identify the 12 deceased individuals recovered from the wreckage. Two additional people remain in critical condition at the University of Louisville Hospital.

Describing the scene, Greenberg said, "In terms of what I saw yesterday, it was tragic, it was horrific. You know, you hear people say, ‘Oh that only happens in the movies’ -- this was worse than the movies." He noted the extensive destruction, with charred metal and smoke still rising from the debris.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), along with the FBI and other emergency crews, is continuing the search through the wreckage. Families who have not heard from their loved ones in the area during the time of the crash are encouraged to call a designated hotline for assistance.

The NTSB has confirmed the recovery of both the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder from the crash site. These devices will provide crucial information, including conversations between the flight crew and air traffic control, as well as data on the aircraft's performance.

The UPS cargo plane was carrying 38,000 gallons of fuel when it crashed shortly after takeoff at approximately 5:15 p.m. on Tuesday. Mayor Greenberg reported that the flames from the crash burned for several hours. NTSB member Todd Inman noted that a "large plume" of fire was observed near the left wing, and video footage showed the left engine detaching from the aircraft during takeoff.

As the investigation continues, the NTSB is expected to provide further updates during a press conference scheduled for Thursday afternoon. The crash site is currently under the control of the NTSB, which is leading the investigation into the cause of the accident.