The families of two people killed in a catastrophic cargo plane crash in the United States have filed wrongful death lawsuits against a consortium of companies linked to the disaster.
Details of the Louisville Crash
The tragedy unfolded on 4 November 2025, when a UPS-operated MD-11 cargo plane bound for Honolulu crashed shortly after takeoff from Muhammad Ali International Airport in Louisville, Kentucky. The aircraft suffered a catastrophic failure, with its left engine detaching, causing it to plunge into an industrial area near the airport and explode in a massive fireball.
The crash claimed the lives of 14 people: the three UPS pilots on board and 11 individuals on the ground. A further 23 people were injured in the incident, which sent shockwaves through the local community.
Legal Action and Allegations
The lawsuits, announced at a press conference, name multiple defendants: UPS, UPS Air, Boeing, GE, and aircraft maintenance firm VT San Antonio Aerospace. Lead attorney Robert Clifford of Clifford Law Offices alleges the crash was preventable, pointing to corporate decisions to keep ageing MD-11 aircraft in service.
"This plane should have never been airworthy to be in the air that day, and this crash was preventable," said Bradley Cosgrove of the same firm. The legal team contends that many MD-11s, some over 30 years old, were flying without detailed inspections that could have averted the disaster.
The suits represent the families of Angela Anderson, who was killed while shopping near the airport, and Trinadette Chavez, who died while working at an auto parts dealer. Chavez's sister, Gabriela Hermosillo-Nunez, described her as the "heart and soul" of their family, a figure who cared for her siblings from a young age.
Investigations and Fallout
In the wake of the crash, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grounded all MD-11 aircraft for immediate inspections and safety reviews. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the FAA are conducting a full investigation, with a final report on the cause expected sometime in 2026.
Both UPS and GE have stated they do not comment on pending litigation but emphasised that safety remains a top priority. Beyond the civil suits, the federal government has also initiated legal action against UPS, accusing it of negligence and "wanton conduct."
The families have vowed a prolonged fight for justice. As Chavez's family stated, they will "fight for her, no matter how long it takes, just like she always did for us."
