Gov. Andy Beshear (D-KY) declared a state of emergency on Wednesday to access funds for recovery efforts following a deadly UPS plane crash in Louisville, Kentucky.
Beshear confirmed at least nine people died in the crash, although he said that number may rise by at least one more victim as the search continues. He noted that another 16 people remain missing. An update will be provided later on Wednesday.
The state of emergency “allows us to move resources more quickly through Emergency Management and the Kentucky National Guard,” Beshear said during a press conference.
“It allows state resources to be used also through our agencies, to be readily available, including disaster resource management expenses related to response and more, as well as reimbursement,” he added. “It’s going to help to make sure that groups that are already limited in terms of their funding can get some immediate or short-term help as they wait for reimbursement for the costs that they’ve expended.”
A cargo airplane operated by UPS en route to Honolulu, Hawaii, crashed shortly after takeoff near Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport on Tuesday afternoon. Three crew members were aboard.
Videos of the crash quickly circulated online, showing the plane exploding in flames across a wide area. Though no casualties were confirmed by UPS, the massive fireball suggested that all crew members died.
The Louisville Metro Police Department said the crash scattered “fire and debris” across the immediate area. A shelter-in-place order was issued for everyone within a five-mile radius of the airport. Residents and businesses in the surrounding area have also been advised not to drink tap water, as it may be contaminated. Beshear said over 200 first responders were on the scene Tuesday night to aid the recovery effort.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy sent his condolences to the victims and their families following the tragic incident and thanked the first responders for their swift action.
AT LEAST SEVEN DEAD AFTER UPS PLANE CRASHES NEAR LOUISVILLE AIRPORT
The Louisville airport reopened Wednesday morning, the Federal Aviation Administration said in a statement. The National Transportation Safety Board is leading the investigation.
Beshear traveled to Louisville on Tuesday following the crash and will travel to the city again on Wednesday afternoon to further assess the damage.