A UPS cargo plane that crashed with three people on board was carrying 280,000 gallons of jet fuel.
Police and fire crews were called to the scene, near the Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, at around 5pm.
Footage shows the aircraft taking off from the runway from with its left wing in flames before it erupts into a fireball.
Mayor Craig Greenberg confirmed the plane was carrying 280,000 gallons of fuel.
The aircraft was travelling such large quantities of fuel due to it’s 12-hour scheduled trip to Hawaii.
A source told ABC News there was an engine issue during the plane’s take off which caused UPS Flight 2976 to crash.
Flames could be seen pouring from the left engine area, with the pilots seemingly unaware before it plummeted.
The plane appeared to tip upwards slightly, suggesting the wheels just leave the tarmac, before a colossal fireball mushroomed into the sky.
There were three people on board but injuries and possible fatalities have not yet been confirmed.
UPS said: “At approximately 5:20 PM ET tonight, UPS Flight 2976 from Louisville, KY, to Honolulu, an MD-11 with three crewmembers onboard, was involved in an accident in Louisville.
“At this time, we have not confirmed any injuries/casualties.
“UPS will release more facts as they become available, but the National Transportation Safety Board is in charge of the investigation and will be the primary source of information about the official investigation.”
The Federal Aviation Administration said: “The NTSB will lead the investigation and will provide all updates. This information is preliminary and subject to change.”
An SDF spokesperson confirmed the airfield has been closed an advised any passengers to check their journeys before travelling.
A shelter in place alert was issued for a five-mile radius just after 5:30pm local time, due to the volume of smoke around.
Louisville Metro Police said there’s still an active scene with “fire and debris.”
Spokesperson Matt Sanders that injuries have been reported, but there is no update on the condition of any victims.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear said: “Kentucky, we are aware of a reported plane crash near Louisville International Airport.
“First responders are onsite, and we will share more information as available.
“Please pray for the pilots, crew and everyone affected. We will share more soon.”
It’s not yet clear what caused the plane to fail so soon into its journey.
