Newly released dashcam footage has captured the terrifying moment UPS Cargo Flight 2976 plummeted from the sky and exploded into a massive fireball near Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport on Tuesday evening.

The footage shows the McDonnell Douglas MD-11 cargo jet descending rapidly before erupting upon impact, sending flames and debris soaring into the air and igniting multiple buildings in a nearby industrial area.

The crash site, located near Grade Lane and Fern Valley Road, was immediately engulfed in thick black smoke as workers were seen running for their lives. Emergency sirens filled the area as firefighters and rescue crews rushed to the burning wreckage.

Authorities have confirmed that at least 12 people have been killed, including a young child, while 15 others were injured and 16 remain unaccounted for. Officials have cautioned that the death toll is expected to rise as recovery operations continue.

Governor Andy Beshear described the incident as “catastrophic,” urging the public to pray for the victims, their families, and the first responders. “That number is going to get larger,” the governor said during a press briefing, referencing the rising casualty count as crews search through the wreckage.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that UPS Flight 2976, operating a McDonnell Douglas MD-11, departed Louisville at approximately 5:15 p.m. local time bound for Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has assumed control of the investigation and will lead all updates moving forward.

According to NTSB officials, preliminary video analysis appears to show the plane’s left engine detaching from the wing during takeoff, moments before the crash.

This visual evidence will play a critical role in determining the cause of the accident.

Authorities have also confirmed the following updates:

• Death Toll: 12 confirmed fatalities, with additional victims expected.
• Reunification Center: Established at 2911 Taylor Blvd for affected families.
• Search and Rescue: Ongoing in surrounding structures.
• Shelter-in-Place: Now reduced to a ¼-mile radius of the crash site.
• Airport Operations: One runway remains open; Runway 17R/35L is closed until November 15.

Meanwhile, Louisville Metro Police have issued a warning regarding scammers attempting to exploit grieving families by posing as investigators and demanding payment in exchange for information about missing loved ones.

Authorities urge anyone receiving such communications to report them immediately to LMPD at 502-574-LMPD (5673) and not to send money under any circumstances.

Dashcam recordings from a nearby truck driver also captured the explosion, showing a massive shockwave shaking nearby vehicles as fire engulfed the surrounding area.

The footage, now being reviewed by investigators, offers a chilling firsthand perspective of one of the most devastating aviation accidents in Louisville’s history.

UPS has confirmed that three crew members were on board the aircraft at the time of the crash.

Their identities have not yet been released pending notification of next of kin. The company stated it is “deeply saddened by this tragedy” and is fully cooperating with federal authorities as the investigation continues.

Louisville’s Worldport facility, UPS’s global air hub, remains operational with limited capacity.

The company, which employs over 20,000 people in the region, handles more than 300 flights daily and sorts over 400,000 packages an hour.

Governor Beshear expressed condolences on social media, saying, “Please pray for the pilots, crew, and everyone affected. First responders are onsite, and we will share more information as available.”