A UPS cargo plane exploded while taking off in Kentucky, killing at least three people and leaving 11 others injured.

CCTV footage shows the wide-body aircraft lifting off with flames visible on its left wing moments before it erupted into a huge fireball at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport on Tuesday.

Reports said the McDonnell Douglas MD-11, carrying three crew members, was bound for Honolulu.

Governor Andy Beshear said: 'We have some initial numbers, but let me tell you I expect them to grow. Right now, we believe we have at least three fatalities.

'I believe that number is going to get larger. We have at least 11 injuries, some of them very significant, that are being treated by local hospitals.'

The cargo airline operates its global hub at the airport.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said in a statement: 'UPS Flight 2976 crashed around 5:15 pm local time on Tuesday, Nov. 4, after departing from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport in Kentucky.'

Flight tracking data suggests the aircraft appeared to struggle to gain altitude and went down near the end of the runway, indicating a possible mechanical issue rather than an air traffic control problem.

Investigators are working to determine the cause of the crash.

The airport said all inbound and outbound flights have been suspended, and the airfield remains temporarily closed.