Flames ignited fires in an industrial corridor near the airport, halting operations overnight.

The Louisville airport, home to UPS Worldport, was expected to reopen on Wednesday, with debris across two runways.

UPS warned delivery times may be affected, but said contingency plans were in place.

The plane was fueled for an 8-1/2 hour flight to Honolulu and carried three crew members.

Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg confirmed four deaths on the ground, while Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear said at least seven people died, with the toll expected to rise.

The local TV news channel in Louisville, Kentucky (WLKY) video showed a fire on one wing before impact and a fireball in the crash.

Several buildings caught fire, prompting a shelter-in-place order for a 5-mile radius.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said UPS Flight 2976 crashed around 5:15pm after takeoff.

Investigators will review why one engine appeared to separate mid-air and why the plane failed to fly on two engines.

The aircraft, a 34-year-old MD-11 freighter first flown by UPS in 2006, crashed after climbing to 175 feet and 184 knots before a sharp descent, per Flightradar24. UPS has not confirmed casualties.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will lead the investigation, which may take 12-24 months.

UPS employs 26,000 people in Louisville, and officials highlighted the crash’s emotional toll on the community.