Footage captures moment UPS plane erupts into fireball as 15 killed in crash | US | News
Disturbing new images have emerged showing the horrific moment when the plane burst into flames in the terrible crash that killed 15 people.
The video emerged as the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigated the cause of the fatal crash that occurred in Kentucky on November 4, 2025.
The engine and pylon of the UPS plane broke away from the wing during takeoff from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, killing the three crew members and 12 people on the ground.
The McDonnell Douglas MD-11F jet was 34 years old at the time of the incident and was heading to Hawaii.
Harrowing footage captures the moment a devastating fireball engulfed the plane, leaving a vast field of debris in its wake.
The FAA grounded all MD-11s for months after the disaster.
The NTSB is holding a hearing in Washington this week to examine the circumstances surrounding the crash.
The victims on the ground were identified as Angela Anderson, 45, Carlos Fernandez, 52, Trinadette “Trina” Chavez, 37, Tony Crain, 65, John Loucks, 52, John Spray, 45, Matthew Sweets, 37, Ella Petty Whorton, 31, Megan Washburn, 35, Louisnes Fedon, 47, and her 3-year-old grandson. Kimberly Asa.
Alain Rodriguez Colina, who was seriously injured in the accident, lost his fight for survival on Christmas Day.
UPS named the employees as Capt. Richard Wartenberg, 57, First Officer Lee Truitt, 45, and International Assistance Officer Capt. Dana Diamond, 62, as the three crew members on the ill-fated flight. At the time of the incident, the plane was reportedly carrying 38,000 gallons (144,000 liters) of fuel when it crashed.
Aviation lawyer Pablo Rojas said: “Really the plane itself behaves almost like a bomb because of the amount of fuel.”
The resulting fire engulfed the large aircraft before spreading to neighboring businesses.
Hundreds of firefighters battled the flames in a “huge area” throughout the night while also investigating potential casualties.
