Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

Archbishop Shelton J. Fabre expressed his sorrow and offered prayers for those affected by the crash of a UPS cargo plane at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport on November 4. The incident occurred when UPS flight 2976, bound for Honolulu, caught fire and crashed just beyond the runway shortly after departure at approximately 5:14 p.m.

The MD-11 aircraft was carrying three crew members. According to Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg, nine people were confirmed dead as of the morning of November 5, with at least 11 others injured. During a midday press conference, Greenberg stated that more individuals remain missing but did not specify how many.

In his statement on November 5, Archbishop Fabre said, “I want to extend my deepest condolences to the families who are mourning the death of their loved ones. May God comfort and strengthen them during this difficult time,” he said in a statement Nov. 5. “I invite you to join me in praying for the repose of the souls of those killed, the healing of those injured, and their families.

“Let us also pray for the first responders whose courageous actions we are grateful for in the face of tragedy,” he said.

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear reported that over 200 first responders and 50 fire trucks responded to the scene on November 4 as they searched for survivors amid hazardous conditions caused by spreading fire. Recovery efforts continued throughout November 5, with Chief Mark Little from Okolona Fire Protection District indicating that these efforts could last up to a week due to ongoing small fires and hot spots within a large debris field.

UPS Worldport operates its global delivery hub at Muhammad Ali airport and employs more than 20,000 people locally, making it one of Louisville’s largest employers. Two businesses near the airport were also directly impacted by the crash.

A Victim Family Reunification Center has been established at the Louisville Metro Police Training Academy on Taylor Boulevard. Families seeking information about UPS employees can call a dedicated hotline at 800-631-0604.

Authorities issued a shelter-in-place order for most residents in Louisville Metro Area on November 4 due to smoke and potential hazards from jet fuel—about 38,000 pounds had been loaded onto the aircraft for its planned flight to Hawaii. By midday November 5, this order remained in effect within a quarter-mile radius of the crash site.

State officials confirmed that no hazardous materials were included in the plane’s cargo; however, ash from a large smoke plume was reported across parts of Louisville following the accident.

Local parishes and religious communities joined Archbishop Fabre in prayer for victims and their families. St. Margaret Mary Church scheduled an evening adoration service on November 5 for community members seeking solace.

The parish invited participation through social media: “Come join us in prayer tonight for our city and all those impacted by this recent tragedy. Find rest at the feet of Jesus and in His most Sacred Heart. Let Him give you comfort and peace.”

Governor Beshear also called upon Kentuckians to support each other: “Let’s please pray for all those affected, and for the dedicated first responders who will be working around the clock to help keep our community safe. Remember: We are in this together, Kentucky,” he said on November 4.

The National Transportation Safety Board is leading an investigation into the cause of the crash.