'Massive explosion' at major international airport after plane smashes into ground

 A "massive explosion" has erupted at a major international airport in America after a plane smashed into the ground.

The aircraft involved in the incident at Muhammad Ali Airport in Louisville, Kentucky, was a UPS MD-11 cargo plane.

The delivery company confirmed the accident, which happened at around 5.20pm local time, and said that three crew members were on board at the time.

The Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) said it was responding to the incident and injuries had been reported, although UPS did not confirm this.

TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say

The UPS Flight 2976 had just started its journey towards Daniel K Inouye International Airport in Honolulu, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) when it crashed.

The FAA has said it will investigate the incident alongside the National Transportation Safety Board.

A shelter in place order initially ordered for those within a five-mile radius of the airport, has since been extended to include all areas north of the airport to the Ohio River.

The LMPD described the scene as active with "fire and debris" and warned locals to avoid Fern Valley and Grade Lane, a nearby intersection.

Footage online appears to show one of the plane's engines on fire as it takes off from the runway.

According to preliminary data from FlightRadar24, the aircraft appeared to reach 175 feet in altitude briefly before descending.

Louisville airport confirmed that its airfield is closed, and all arriving and departing flights have been temporarily suspended.

The airport is home to UPS Worldport, which serves as a global hub for the firm's cargo operations and its largest package handling facility in the world, with more than 12,000 employees processing more than two million packages every day.

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, who is believed to be en route to the scene, said: "Please pray for the pilots, crew and everyone affected."

Kentucky Senator Rand Paul said: "My team and I are closely monitoring the plane crash near Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport.

"We continue to pray for the safety of the aircrew, everyone in the area, and for the first responders on the scene."

The McDonnell Douglas MD-11F is now primarily used by FedEx Express, Lufthansa Cargo and UPS Airlines for cargo, but first served as a popular wide-bodied passenger plane.

The model was first flown in 1990, and the aircraft involved in this incident was built in 1991.