A plane crash in Kentucky during takeoff has caused a large fire and forced the airfield to close.
The incident happened near the Muhammad Ali International Airport in Louisville shortly after 5pm local time today (10pm GMT).
Officials said there are injuries, but the numbers and their condition was not immediately known.
Thick, black smoke was seen billowing into the air from the crash site.
It was a UPS MD-11cargo plane en route to Daniel K.Inouye International Airport in Honolulu, Hawaii, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed as it launched an investigation with the National Transportation Safety Board.
The airport said: ‘Aircraft incident confirmed at SDF. At this time the airfield is closed, more details to come.’
Louisville Metro Police Department said: ‘LMPD and multiple other agencies are responding to reports of a plan crash near Fern Valley and Grade Lane.
‘Grade lane will be closed indefinitely between Stooges and Crittenden.
‘Injuries reported.’
Aerial footage appears to show a hole blown into a factory building, a large fire across an industrial area and car parks, and debris on the runway.
Kentucky’s 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.’
The airport includes several UPS facilities within the airfield safety perimeter.
Metro has contacted UPS for a comment.
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