Mayor Craig Greenberg sat down with WLKY to discuss the UPS plane crash that devastated Louisville last November. The disaster, which claimed multiple lives when Flight 2976 erupted in flames off Grade Lane, remains one of the city’s darkest days.

Immediate reaction and personal impact

“My heart sank. I felt physically ill when I realized the magnitude of what that meant,” Greenberg said. “The second I heard it was a UPS plane, you know, a giant aircraft, and that meant a lot of fatalities. This means massive destruction.”

As the news spread, Greenberg received a text alert and immediately began coordinating with Louisville’s emergency management director. He praised the speed and efficiency of the response, noting that the Louisville Fire Department, LMPD, EMS, and surrounding suburban fire departments worked together in a true team effort.

Support for victims and families

That night, the mayor traveled to a local church to meet with grieving families, offering comfort just hours after their loss. In the days that followed, he was the public voice announcing additional fatalities as the death toll rose.

When it became safe, Greenberg and other city leaders toured the crash site. He described the scene as “apocalyptic,” likening it to a movie set from another world. The burned area, he said, was “unimaginable” and has been seared into his memory.

Long‑term effects on the community

Road closures around Grade Lane persisted for weeks, hampering local businesses. Greenberg emphasized that the city’s response extended beyond supporting victims’ families; it also involved helping business owners and their employees navigate the disruption.

“For some, like Sean at Grade A, the property can’t be used for business yet, forcing other arrangements,” the mayor explained. “There is still no sense of normalcy for those most directly impacted, and the tragedy holds a powerful place in everyone’s heart.”

Recognition of emergency responders

Despite the sorrow, Greenberg highlighted a bright spot: the exemplary performance of Louisville’s first responders. Since the disaster, the city’s emergency response model has earned national recognition. Emergency manager Jody Meiman has traveled across the country sharing lessons learned, showcasing Louisville’s commitment to preparedness and community safety.

Mayor Greenberg concluded by thanking the brave men and women who acted swiftly on that fateful day and reaffirmed the city’s dedication to supporting all residents as they continue to heal.

Original reporting: WLKY Louisville — read the source article.