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The death toll in Tuesday night’s horrific UPS plane crash in Louisville has risen to at least nine and is expected to jump even more, as Kentucky’s governor warns more than a dozen families have reported loved ones missing.
“This is going to be a tough day for Kentucky after yesterday’s deadly plane crash,” Gov. Andy Beshear wrote on X Wednesday morning.
“The number of those lost has now risen to at least nine, with the possibility of more.”
He said at a reunification center 16 families have come forward and reported relatives still unaccounted for.
Beshear said a “significant” search and rescue effort was underway overnight and continues this morning, and that his office will hold a press conference at 11:30 a.m. ET for an update.
UPS Flight 2976 was carrying three crew members and 50,000 gallons of jet fuel when it exploded in a massive fireball around 5:15 p.m. on Tuesday just 13 minutes after takeoff, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.
The Hawaii-bound plane appeared to lift off the runway with one of its wings on fire before flipping on its side and crashing to the ground at Muhammed Ali International Airport, shocking video shows.
In a statement, UPS said it was “terribly saddened” by the accident, and offered “heartfelt thoughts” to everyone involved.
“We are engaged with the National Transportation Safety Board’s investigation of the accident and are staying in close contact with the Federal Aviation Administration. We will work tirelessly with state and local authorities on response efforts,” the global shipping and logistics company said.
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