Local News
Victims reported after UPS cargo plane crash near Louisville
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Jefferson County) — A tragic aviation accident occurred Tuesday evening, November 4, when a UPS cargo plane, identified as Flight 2976, crashed shortly after takeoff from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport in Kentucky.
The McDonnell Douglas MD-11 aircraft, bound for Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu, Hawaii, went down around 5:15 p.m. local time, sparking massive fires and explosions near Grade Lane and Fern Valley Road, just southeast of the airport.
Dramatic video footage captured the moment the plane descended rapidly and struck several buildings, erupting into a fireball that sent thick plumes of smoke into the sky.
Multiple structures were set ablaze, and first responders confirmed partial building collapses in the immediate area of impact.
Emergency radio traffic indicated that third-alarm units were dispatched to the scene as firefighters battled intense flames and began search-and-rescue operations within the damaged buildings.
Authorities confirmed reports of people trapped at an undisclosed location, with preliminary accounts suggesting up to 25 individuals may be trapped at or near 4564 Knopp Avenue.
UPS confirmed that three crew members were on board Flight 2976 at the time of the crash.
The crash resulted in at least three fatalities and eleven injuries, according to Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, who warned that “the number is going to get larger” as rescue and recovery operations continue.
The company issued a statement expressing deep concern and emphasizing that its “primary focus is the safety and well-being of our employees and the surrounding community.”
The Louisville Metro Police Department and Louisville Fire Department established a large emergency perimeter and issued a shelter-in-place order for all locations within a five-mile radius of the airport, urging residents and businesses to remain indoors and avoid the affected area due to hazardous smoke and debris.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that Flight 2976 lost contact with air traffic control shortly after departure.
Both the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched investigations into the cause of the crash.
The NTSB will lead the investigation and provide regular updates as information becomes available.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear acknowledged the tragedy on social media, stating:
“We are aware of a reported plane crash near Louisville International Airport. First responders are on site, and we will share more information as available. Please pray for the pilots, crew, and everyone affected.”
The crash occurred near UPS’s Worldport, the company’s largest air freight hub and global sorting facility, located adjacent to the airport.
The 5.2 million-square-foot facility handles more than 300 daily flights, processes over 400,000 packages per hour, and employs approximately 20,000 workers across the greater Louisville metropolitan area.
As of late Tuesday night, multiple fires remain active, and emergency teams continue to search the wreckage while working to stabilize affected buildings.
The NTSB is expected to arrive on scene early Wednesday to begin a comprehensive investigation into the cause of the crash.
Local News
Leah Levy Among Two Skydivers Killed in Midair Collision During Landing Near Lake Elsinore, California
LAKE ELSINORE, California — Two experienced skydivers, including Leah Levy, died after their parachutes became entangled during a midair collision while they were preparing to land at a skydiving event in Southern California on Friday.
The fatal accident occurred at Skydive Elsinore in Lake Elsinore, where two licensed and experienced skydivers were participating in an organized skydiving event.
According to a statement from Skydive Elsinore, the collision happened at approximately 150 feet above the ground as the two participants were approaching the landing area.
Both skydivers suffered critical injuries and were transported to a local hospital. They were later pronounced dead.
Skydive Elsinore said the initial stages of the jump, including the free-fall portion and parachute deployment, proceeded normally.
However, as the two skydivers prepared to land, they collided in midair at an altitude of approximately 150 feet, or about 46 meters, above the ground.
The impact caused their parachutes to become entangled, leaving both participants unable to complete their landings safely.
“The collision caused their parachutes to become entangled, and both sustained critical injuries when they reached the ground,” the company said in a statement.
The Riverside County Fire Department reported that both skydivers suffered traumatic injuries in the incident.
Emergency responders transported them to a nearby hospital in critical condition. Despite receiving medical attention, both later died from their injuries.
One of the victims was identified in the supplied information as Leah Levy. The second skydiver’s identity has not been provided.
Skydive Elsinore confirmed that both individuals were licensed and experienced skydivers participating in the organized event.
The company said the collision occurred during the final approach to landing, after the free fall and parachute-opening stages had reportedly gone normally.
The incident resulted in the deaths of both participants.
Further details about the circumstances surrounding the collision and any subsequent investigation have not been provided in the available information.