Four UPS Crash Survivors Speak on Anniversary
Employees at a Louisville scrapyard recount escaping the November 2025 crash that claimed 15 lives.
By Rafael Bailey ·
A UPS cargo plane crashed into a Louisville scrapyard one year ago, killing 15 people and injuring others.
Four employees who survived the fiery explosion are speaking publicly about the event. They want to honor the coworkers and customers who died and hold the responsible parties accountable.
The crash occurred on Nov. 4, 2025, 14 minutes after closing time. Grade A Auto Parts owner Sean Garber said staff stayed late to ensure customers received payment for their scrap metal. He noted that for many, that money was necessary to feed their families that night.
General Manager Manuel Leos and Yard Manager Jamel Beard were in the building when the power cut out and the structure began to shake. Beard tackled Leos to the ground just before the explosion occurred. They pushed through the building as flames spread, escaping seconds before the structure blew. Leos said he believes he saved Beard's life, while Beard credits Leos for keeping him moving.
Across the property, Ashley Muse, Megan Washburn, and Trina Chavez were working in the weighing area. Muse saw a ball of fire approaching through the windows. Washburn placed a hand on Muse's back and urged her toward a window. Muse dove through the glass and ran, but she never saw Washburn again. Muse said she can still feel that touch in her nightmares.
Manager Adam Bowman was loading a truck when the fire arrived. After the explosion, he found Matt Sweets, a customer and father of two, suffering from severe burns. Bowman helped carry Sweets to first responders. Sweets survived the initial impact but died two days later in the hospital. Bowman said Sweets' mother thanked him for giving the family a chance to say goodbye.
The four survivors continue to process their loss. Chad Chavez, a coworker of Beard, is the mother of his child. Beard said his children still struggle with her absence. The group wants to ensure the victims are remembered as people with full lives, not just statistics. Leos said someone made a wrong decision and must be held accountable.
