Engine separated from flaming wing in UPS cargo plane crash that killed at least 12

As more details emerge on what led to the disaster, the understanding of its scope of devastation gets worse.Updating the public on Tuesday's deadly UPS McDonnell Douglas MD-11 cargo plane crash in Louisville, Kentucky, an NTSB board member said airport video reviewed by investigators showed flames on the left wing of the plane and the left engine detaching during its takeoff roll. Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said at a 4 p.m. EST update that the number of people killed had risen to 11 and could reach 12 by the end of the night. There were "a handful of people," he said still unaccounted for, "and we hope they weren't on site."An hour later, local media confirmed his grim prediction through local sources - 12 dead and that might not be it. NTSB board member Todd Inman said the plane gained enough lift to clear the fence at the end of Runway 17R/35L at Louisville International Muhammad Ali Airport (SDF), but it crashed into a nearby petroleum recycling plant and automotive salvage yard, with debris strewn more than a half-mile from the crash site. Inman said, just before the 3 p.m. briefing, the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder had been recovered. Both suffered heat damage from the fire generated by 38,000 pounds of Jet A fuel that sent thick smoke thousands of feet into the air and prompted shelter-in-place alerts. "These recorders are built for that," he said, noting that the FDR and CVR had been updated from the original models installed in the MD-11, registration No. N259UP, manufactured in 1991. Designated as UPS Flight 2976, the crash happened around 5:15 local time and the plane was scheduled to fly to Daniel K Inouye International Airport (HNL) in Honolulu. Three crew members were on board. In addition to at least 11 deaths, more victims were treated at local hospitals for burns and other critical injuries, though the majority were expected to survive. Beshear stated on social media Wednesday morning that 16 families had reached out about missing loved ones. Despite local road and school closures and a federal investigation beginning, the airport was able to open to limited capacity Wednesday.UPS crash sends shockwave through Louisville The crash significantly impacted operations at the main air hub for UPS - Worldport - located at SDF. The package handling giant posted on its website that its second-day sort at the facility was canceled for Wednesday night and that those employees should not report to work. All package operations at Worldport were halted on Tuesday night. "We are terribly saddened by the accident tonight in Louisville. Our heartfelt thoughts are with everyone involved," a statement read. "UPS is committed to the safety of our employees, our customers and the communities we serve. This is particularly true in Louisville, home to our airline and thousands of UPSers." Family members of UPS workers seeking information should call 800-631-0604. Boeing, which purchased McDonnell Douglas in 1997, posted on social media that it will support its customer and offer assistance to the NTSB and that the company's concern was for the safety and well-being of everyone affected. Inman said the NTSB was only at the beginning of its investigation. Even in incidents without the scope of death and destruction as Tuesday's disaster, a preliminary report can take weeks to compile - and a final report can take a year or more. He also said he does not know when that runway will reopen and that the government shutdown has not impacted NTSB operations.The safety board also brought five members of its accident assistance team to help impacted families. Inman said they need people and businesses who find debris to contact [email protected]. "It is a tough day for Louisville, for Kentucky," Inman said. "Being a Kentuckian myself, I know what type of community this is."