💔 Tragedy in Louisville: UPS Cargo Plane Crash Leaves 11 Injured — Former Buffalo Bills Player Among Victims

Louisville, Kentucky — A devastating tragedy struck early Thursday morning when a UPS MD-11 cargo plane crashed into a busy truck stop just miles from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, leaving at least 11 people injured, including a former Buffalo Bills football player, according to authorities.

Officials from the Louisville Metro Police Department confirmed that the plane went down shortly after takeoff, slamming into a fueling area behind the truck stop. The crash triggered a massive explosion, sending flames and black smoke towering into the sky as drivers scrambled for their lives.

“It looked like a fireball rolling down the highway,” recalled James Porter, a truck driver who witnessed the crash. “There was this deafening boom — then chaos. People were screaming, running everywhere.”

Emergency crews from multiple counties rushed to the scene, battling the inferno for hours as firefighters worked to contain the blaze and rescue victims trapped under debris. Officials say several of the injured remain in critical condition, including the former NFL athlete whose identity has not yet been released.

Sources close to the player confirmed to ESPN that he was a former wide receiver for the Buffalo Bills, known for his work ethic and community involvement after leaving the league. Friends say he had been traveling for a charity project aimed at helping underprivileged youth when tragedy struck.

“He was more than a player — he was a beacon of hope,” said one former teammate. “Everyone who knew him admired his heart, his humility, and his drive to give back.”

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched a full investigation into the cause of the crash. Early reports suggest that the aircraft experienced mechanical failure shortly after takeoff, prompting the pilot to attempt an emergency landing before losing control.

UPS issued a heartfelt statement expressing condolences and vowing full cooperation with federal authorities:

“Our thoughts are with all those affected by this terrible event,” the statement read. “We are deeply saddened by the injuries and devastation caused and are working closely with investigators to understand what happened.”

As night fell, emergency crews continued to clear the wreckage under floodlights, while residents gathered nearby holding candles and praying for those injured. The tragedy has cast a shadow not only over the Louisville community but also over the NFL world, where messages of support have poured in from fans and former players alike.

What was meant to be just another quiet morning turned into a moment that will haunt many for years to come — a chilling reminder of how fragile life can be, even for heroes who once stood under the brightest lights of the NFL.