Louisville is a vital hub for United Parcel Service (UPS) vehicles, and that includes the company’s many planes. Although it’s extremely busy, places like Muhammad Ali International Airport give the company a huge boost when it comes to serving its customers throughout the world. But unfortunately, a recent accident here has made national news.
On Tuesday, November 4, 2025, a UPS cargo plane headed for Hawaii crashed shortly after taking off from the airport. At least nine people have died and officials fear that number could rise as the investigation into the crash continues. Local officials responded to the crash site around 5:14 p.m.
The plane crashed near Fern Valley and Grade Lane, according to a story from WAVE. The crash resulted in a huge explosion, as the plane was fully loaded with fuel for the long flight. Three crew members on the plane are believed to have died in the crash, with six others not involved with the flight dying from injuries. Two burn victims are currently in critical condition at U of L Hospital, with sixteen families reporting that their loved ones are missing.
Mayor Craig Greenberg announced a shelter-in-place order that extends to a mile-and-a-half radius of the crash site. Much of the damage happened to surrounding businesses, most notably a waste recycling center and an auto parts shop.
A team of 28 investigators with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have been on the scene since Tuesday night. Governor Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency, and called in National Guard troops to help with the cleanup.
UPS halted operations at its packaging facility at Worldport in the wake of the crash, saying in a statement that the company “is committed to the safety of our employees, our customers and the communities we serve.”
Flights have resumed at the airport, although a backlog of delayed flights is expected to carry through to the coming days, as there is currently only one runway that’s functional.
While answers are hard to come by in the wake of such an accident, it does bring up important questions about what you and your family can do if you’re hurt or you’ve lost a loved one.
Can I File a Claim If I Was Injured in the UPS Plane Crash?
The harsh reality of accidents like the one above is that answers are hard to come by. But if you or someone you care about are injured, it’s worth looking into what your options might be. Of course, it all depends on what actually happened, but generally, you have the same rights after an aviation accident that you would with any other–it just depends on what caused your injuries or other damages.
UPS, as a company, is generally responsible for accidents with its vehicles, whether that be a truck, van, or plane. The difference with accidents like this one–and other plane crashes–is the huge number of people involved. In short, it’s not just the pilot and crew that could be responsible–it extends to manufacturers, airport personnel, and many others.
While it’s still to be determined what officially caused the UPS crash, if it happened because of negligence on the part of the company or someone involved with the flight itself, you can file an injury claim. The way you decide to do that is up to you, but it typically involves filing:
- An insurance claim out of court.
- A personal injury lawsuit.
With a claim filed, it’s about evaluating what you or your family has lost because of the injuries. So, the “damages” that can be recovered in a claim include things like:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Current and future lost wages
- Repair/replacement costs for damaged property
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Costs for reduction in your quality of life
- Funeral expenses, loss of companionship, or loss of financial support in a “wrongful death” claim.
Dealing with the aftermath of a plane crash can feel overwhelming. Sometimes that means filing multiple claims, but working with our Louisville personal injury lawyers at Kaufman & Stigger can make the process much simpler.
Reach Out to Kaufman & Stigger For Help After a Louisville Plane Crash
Experiencing a plane crash is terrifying, and the recent UPS crash in Louisville has left many people shaken. If you or a loved one were affected, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed—but you don’t have to go through this alone. Our team at Kaufman & Stigger, PLLC can stand up for your rights and guide you through the claims process. We’ll help you gather evidence, understand your legal options, and work toward financial support that will help you and your family move forward. Reach out today to set up a free consultation.
