At least five people were killed on Sunday when an Amazon cargo plane overshot the runway after landing at Miami International Airport, crashing into multiple vehicles and bursting into flames, according to officials.
Miami-Dade County fire chief Ray Jadallah reported that, in addition to the five fatalities, three people were transported to trauma centers in critical condition, while two others received treatment at a local hospital.
Jadallah explained that the aircraft struck several vehicles, trapping victims inside.
A complex extrication with our technical rescue team was required, including a search and rescue operation for the pilot and co-pilot, who were also trapped in the aircraft, he said. Jadallah did not confirm whether the pilot or co-pilot survived, and officials declined to provide further details after giving brief statements.
Footage captured thick smoke billowing from the blue-and-white Boeing 767, which had arrived from Puerto Rico as Prime Air Flight 7598 at 1:58 p.m. local time. Fire officials said the crash caused the plane to ignite.
Sixty fire units and nearly 200 firefighters responded to the scene to conduct search and rescue operations and battle the blaze, Jadallah said.
The cause of the crash will be investigated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
In a statement on X, fire officials noted they used foam to put out a fire in the engine compartment. Specialized hazardous materials units also shut down the aircraft’s engine and contained a fuel leak.
One individual was trapped beneath a vehicle and was extricated by technical rescue personnel.
Officials are investigating the site, where several cars were damaged after the plane overran the runway and collided with vehicles. The NTSB stated it has launched a team to investigate the accident involving the B-767-300 cargo plane, which was flying in from San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Amazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel expressed condolences, saying, “We’re heartbroken to learn that five people lost their lives in today’s incident at Miami International Airport. Our deepest sympathies go out to the families, loved ones, and all those affected by this devastating loss.”
Miami Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz described the aftermath as a really tragic scene” but assured reporters there was no apparent threat to public safety.
The airport closed all runways and taxiways following the incident, advising travelers to check with their airlines before coming to the airport. After hours of delays and cancellations, two of the airport’s four runways had reopened by Sunday, according to the Miami Herald.
Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava expressed gratitude to first responders for their swift action, stating on X, “Our fire rescue team was there within seconds of the crash, so we’re deeply grateful.”
