'I could see the smoke for a long time': Man describes aftermath of plane crash, shelter-in-place

Man Describes Aftermath of Louisville Plane Crash and Shelter-in-Place

David Spiesberger witnessed the aftermath of a UPS cargo plane crash in Louisville on Tuesday. His home was within the initial five-mile shelter-in-place zone issued by authorities.

Initial Reaction and Observation

Looking out his window shortly after the crash, Spiesberger recalled,

"I could see the smoke for a long time."

At first unsure what had caused the smoke, he said,

"I said I guess it must've been an airplane because I wasn't sure what it was at first."

Shelter-in-Place Order and Precautions

"I knew it was far enough away and I just kept going out on the porch standing on the porch and looking up at the sky."

Reduction of the Restricted Area

The shelter-in-place order was later narrowed to a quarter-mile radius near the Grade Lane area, close to Louisville's hazardous waste drop-off site just south of the airport.

Assessment of the Crash Impact

Spiesberger expressed relief that the crash did not cause more damage, saying,

"Where it is over there it's a wonder it didn't take out more buildings than what it did."

His calm and observational account highlights the community's response and the coordinated safety measures following the incident.

Author's summary: David Spiesberger’s firsthand account reveals the impact of the Louisville plane crash and the evolving shelter-in-place orders protecting residents nearby.

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LEX 18 LEX 18 — 2025-11-06

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