UPDATE: A devastating plane crash at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport in Kentucky has resulted in at least seven fatalities and 11 injuries, with rescue efforts still underway. The incident occurred yesterday, April 11, 2023, as a UPS cargo plane was taking off and subsequently burst into flames.
Witness Sabit Aliyev, a 40-year-old employee at Kentucky Truck Parts & Services, described the chaotic moment when the explosion occurred. “I was knocked down by the sheer force of the blast,” he recounted, highlighting the immediate danger that surrounded him. Video footage he captured shows the sky filled with thick black smoke, an alarming sight that has left the local community in shock.
Aliyev was wrapping up his shift around 5:15 PM when the tragic event unfolded. He detailed the horrifying experience: “It was a normal working day, and then boom, there was an explosion. I have never experienced anything like that in my life. When we saw the fire, we just ran for our lives.” The thick smoke engulfing the building made escape difficult, leaving him and others feeling trapped.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear confirmed that the fire has been contained, but search efforts are ongoing for an additional 16 people who are still unaccounted for. This incident has raised urgent concerns about safety and emergency response protocols at the airport, which is expected to reopen today.
As the community grapples with the tragic loss of life and the impact on families, local authorities are conducting a thorough investigation into the crash. Eyewitness accounts like Aliyev’s serve to underscore the intensity of the situation, as many are left wondering how such a catastrophic event could unfold during a routine flight operation.
Stay tuned for further updates as details emerge about this tragic event, and keep the victims and their families in your thoughts during this difficult time.
