Live updates: Cargo plane carrying large amount of fuel crashes in Kentucky, with several reported injured and fires still burning

Cargo plane crashes shortly after takeoff from Louisville airportpublished at 00:30 GMT

00:30 GMT

Peter Bowes
North America correspondent

If you’re just joining us, a cargo plane has crashed in the US state of Kentucky, shortly after departing from Louisville International Airport.

Officials say the plane, operated by United Parcel Services, with three crew members onboard, crashed on takeoff from the airport in Louisville.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration the McDonnell Douglas MD-11 was heading for Honolulu. Images posted on social media show a plume of black smoke rising into the sky as a huge fire burns on the ground.

A shelter-in-place order within 8 kilometers (five miles) of the airport has been issued by the local police. The authorities say multiple people have been injured and that first responders are on the scene.