Gov. Beshear provides update on Louisville Plane Crash and SNAP

HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) – Governor Andy Beshear provided an update on the UPS plane crash near the Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, declared a state of emergency and opened up a relief fund to help those affected.  

Gov. Beshear also provided updates on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and Feeding Kentucky food banks, insurance coverage for federal workers and action taken to protect Kentuckians from a drug.

Gov. Beshear also remembered and honored former Kentucky Gov. Martha Layne Collins and named the first responders who came to the aid of Louisville following the plane crash on November 4 as this week’s Team Kentucky All-Stars.   

UPS plane crash 

Officials say at approximately 5:14 p.m. Eastern Time Tuesday afternoon, UPS flight 2976 from Louisville to Honolulu – an MD-11 with three crewmembers on board – was involved in a crash in Louisville just beyond the takeoff runway. Officials say while there was no hazardous cargo on board, impacts can create dangerous conditions and items on the ground where the crash took place can also cause potential hazards. Gov. Beshear says the investigation is being led by the National Transportation Safety Board, which will serve as the primary source of information.  

“This is a tough day for Kentucky after yesterday’s deadly plane crash,” said Gov. Beshear. “Right now, the families of those we lost need prayers, love and support. Let’s wrap our arms around them during this unimaginable time.” 

Gov. Beshear declared a state of emergency and opened up a relief fund to help those affected. The state of emergency will also allow state resources to be readily available, including disaster resource management, expenses related to response and more. Officials say donations to the emergency relief fund will go directly to those affected and help pay for funerals of those lost.

He says current updates include:  

• Known fatalities: Nine
• A significant search-and-rescue operation took place overnight, which continues.
• Victim Family Reunification Center: Louisville Metro Police Training Academy at 2911 Taylor Boulevard. Family members seeking information about a UPS employee can also call 800-631-0604.
• Two businesses were directly impacted: Kentucky Petroleum Recycling and Grade A Auto Parts.
• The radius for those instructed to shelter in place has been reduced to a quarter-mile radius surrounding the crash site.
• Louisville Metro is putting out guidance to residents and businesses immediately around the crash site to not consume water. Other areas are safe.

According to WDRB, the number of fatalities has since increased to 11.

SNAP Benefits and Feeding Kentucky food banks 

Gov. Beshear provided an update on how Team Kentucky is helping those affected by a loss of food assistance. Due to the federal government shutdown, on November 1, SNAP benefits were suspended. Gov. Beshear joined leaders from 24 other states and the District of Columbia in challenging the Trump administration over its decision to suspend SNAP. On October 31, a federal judge ruled in favor of Kentucky and demanded that funding be restored. While Team Kentucky waited for the federal government to follow this ruling, Gov. Beshear also directed $5 million from the budget reserve trust fund to Feeding Kentucky food banks as they face an influx of demand – and Gov. Beshear announced on November 5 that he has authorized the Kentucky National Guard to assist in staffing food banks as needed. 

Gov. Beshear said that Team Kentucky received confirmation from the federal government on November 5 that SNAP benefits will begin processing on November 6.

Federal workers 

Gov. Beshear urged insurance companies to implement safeguards that ensure policyholders who are federal workers do not lose critical insurance coverage during the shutdown.   
 
Protecting Kentuckians from a drug 

Gov. Beshear announced that his administration is taking action to prevent the sale and distribution of a substance in Kentucky by moving to classify an addictive form of kratom as a Schedule I narcotic. This will make it illegal to sell, possess or distribute any isolated or concentrated forms of 7-OH in the state. 

Remembering Martha Layne Collins 

Gov. Beshear remembered and honored former Kentucky governor Martha Layne Collins, the 56th Governor of the commonwealth and its only female Governor. Collins died at 88 years old this week.

“Former Governor Martha Layne Collins was a powerhouse, transforming our commonwealth through major accomplishments like bringing Toyota to our state for its first U.S. site. She created a foundation for us to build a strong future upon, and her legacy will continue to benefit Kentucky families for generations.,” said Gov. Beshear. “Let’s remember to send up a thank you with our prayers as we remember a remarkable leader who made an undeniable difference in our state.” 

Team Kentucky All-Stars 

Gov. Beshear named the first responders that came to the aid of Louisville following the plane crash on November 4 as this week’s Team Kentucky All-Stars. There were over 200 first responders on the scene and over 50 fire trucks from nearly 20 fire departments. Agencies backfilled and covered for the responders working at the emergency site to ensure the rest of the city was safe. The National Guard, emergency management, the National Weather Service, numerous police departments, fire departments, EMS and more assisted.  

“These people are heroes who have been working around the clock. As we pray for the families affected, let’s also include these first responders in our prayers,” said Gov. Beshear. “This work isn’t easy. But these folks keep showing up to protect us. Let’s remember to thank them for their commitment to Kentucky.”