MIAMI, Florida — Five people have been killed and five others injured after an Amazon cargo plane operated by 21 Air overshot a runway at Miami International Airport, crashed into several vehicles and burst into flames.
The Boeing 767-300, operating as Amazon Prime Air Flight 7598, was attempting to land shortly before 2 p.m. Sunday after departing from Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
According to authorities, the aircraft overran the runway and struck multiple vehicles after leaving the paved area. The crash triggered a massive emergency response and temporarily halted flight operations at one of the busiest airports in the United States.
Five People Killed, Five Injured
Miami-Dade County officials confirmed that five people died in the crash, while another five were injured.
Three of the injured people were reported to be in critical condition.
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Emergency crews faced a difficult rescue operation after the aircraft struck vehicles on the ground. Some people were trapped inside or beneath vehicles and had to be freed by firefighters and rescue workers.
More than 200 firefighters and dozens of emergency units responded to the scene as flames engulfed parts of the aircraft.
Authorities have not immediately released the identities of those who died.
It was also initially unclear whether all of the fatalities occurred aboard the aircraft or among people on the ground.
What Happened to the Amazon Plane?
The aircraft was a Boeing 767-300 freighter operated by North Carolina-based 21 Air for Amazon.
The plane had arrived from San Juan and was landing at Miami International Airport when it ran beyond the usable portion of the runway.
Flight-tracking data showed the aircraft was travelling at approximately 112 knots, or about 129 mph, when it left the usable runway area. The plane continued beyond the runway, crossed a roadway and struck several vehicles before coming to a stop near an area serving an Amazon warehouse and other businesses.
The crash caused a major fire and a fuel leak, adding to the challenges faced by emergency crews.
NTSB Takes Over Investigation
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has sent investigators to Miami to determine exactly what caused the aircraft to leave the runway.
Investigators are expected to examine the aircraft, runway conditions, weather, crew actions, flight data and other factors that could have contributed to the accident.
The NTSB has also recovered the aircraft’s flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder. Both recorders are being taken to Washington, D.C., where investigators will examine their information as part of the investigation.
The cause of the crash has not been determined.
Investigators are also expected to examine whether the aircraft landed within the designated touchdown zone and whether weather conditions, including thunderstorms and gusting winds, played any role.
Officials have cautioned that it is too early to draw conclusions about what caused the accident.
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Amazon and 21 Air Respond
Amazon expressed its condolences to the families of those who died and said it was cooperating with authorities.
The company said the aircraft was operated by 21 Air and that it was working closely with local officials to understand what happened.
21 Air CEO Keith Winters also expressed condolences to the victims’ families and said the company’s immediate priorities were supporting those affected and assisting investigators.
Miami Airport Disrupted After Crash
The accident caused major disruption at Miami International Airport during the busy Labor Day travel period.
The Federal Aviation Administration temporarily issued a ground stop following the crash, resulting in flight cancellations and delays.
Some passengers were left facing long queues and difficulty finding alternative flights as airport operations were disrupted.
Miami International Airport is a major hub for international passenger and cargo traffic and is particularly important for flights between the United States, Latin America and the Caribbean.
Airport operations have since resumed, although some runway closures and delays have continued as investigators work at the crash site.
Witnesses Describe Chaotic Scene
People in the area described seeing a huge cloud of black smoke and flames following the crash.
One witness told U.S. media that the scene looked like something from a movie as smoke rose from the aircraft.
Another witness described a strong, unusual smell in the area after the crash.
Video footage from the scene showed the Amazon-branded aircraft surrounded by smoke and flames as emergency crews worked to contain the fire.
What Investigators Will Look For
A major question for investigators is why the Boeing 767 was unable to stop within the available runway area.
Investigators will examine whether the plane touched down too far along the runway, the aircraft’s speed during landing, weather and wind conditions, the performance of the aircraft’s braking systems and the actions of the flight crew.
They will also examine the airport’s runway infrastructure and surrounding area.
However, investigators have not yet identified a definitive cause, and officials have warned against speculation while the investigation is underway.
The NTSB’s examination of the flight recorders and other evidence could provide important clues about the final moments before the crash.
The Investigation Continues
The deadly Miami airport crash has raised fresh questions about aviation safety, runway overruns and emergency preparedness.
For now, the families of the victims are mourning their losses while investigators work to establish exactly what went wrong.
The NTSB, FAA, local authorities, Amazon and 21 Air are continuing to cooperate with the investigation.
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