Authorities are continuing to investigate a deadly cargo plane crash at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport that has left at least 14 people dead and several others injured. Officials confirmed Wednesday that rescue operations have shifted to recovery efforts, signaling a grim turn in the response.

The crash happened Tuesday around 5:15 p.m. when a UPS-operated MD-11 aircraft suffered a catastrophic failure during takeoff. The plane was headed to Honolulu and carried standard cargo along with roughly 38,000 gallons of jet fuel. Witnesses said the aircraft struggled to climb before rapidly descending near the runway.

The impact caused extensive damage to nearby industrial businesses and sparked intense fires fueled by the aircraft’s heavy fuel load. Emergency responders, including Louisville Metro Fire and the Kentucky National Guard, arrived quickly and worked to contain the blaze and search for survivors.

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency shortly after the crash, allowing faster deployment of resources. The Kentucky Emergency Relief Fund has been activated to assist victims’ families, including funeral costs and recovery support.

UPS confirmed that all three crew members on board were killed, along with additional victims in surrounding areas. Officials reported 14 confirmed fatalities, 15 injuries—two critical—and nine people still missing as of Wednesday morning.

The investigation is being led by the National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration. Flight recorders have been recovered, and investigators are analyzing data, maintenance records, and crew communications. Authorities say determining the exact cause may take months as recovery and support efforts continue.