Louisville

Seven people were killed and at least 11 others injured when a UPS cargo plane crashed and exploded shortly after takeoff from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport on Tuesday evening, officials said.

The MD-11F aircraft, operating as UPS Flight 2976 and bound for Honolulu, Hawaii, went down at around 5:15 p.m. local time (22:15 GMT), skidding off the runway and striking nearby buildings before bursting into flames. The plane was carrying 38,000 gallons (144,000 liters) of fuel at the time of the crash.

Witnesses reported a series of explosions as the plane ignited on impact, sending thick plumes of black …