At least five people were killed and five others injured after an Amazon cargo plane overshot the runway, crashed into vehicles and burst into flames while landing at Miami International Airport on Sunday.
The Boeing 767, operating as Prime Air Flight 7598 from San Juan, Puerto Rico, was involved in the crash shortly after touching down at about 1:58 p.m.
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Chief Ray Jadallah said three victims were taken to trauma centres in critical condition, while two others were treated at a local hospital.
“The airplane did strike a couple of vehicles,” Jadallah said, adding that “a couple of victims that were actually trapped in the vehicles.”
He said firefighters carried out “a complex extrication with our technical rescue team,” including efforts to rescue the pilot and co-pilot who were trapped inside the aircraft.
About 200 firefighters and 60 emergency vehicles responded to the scene, using foam to extinguish the fire and hazardous materials teams to contain a fuel leak.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) said it had “launched a go team to investigate Sunday’s runway excursion accident,” while the Federal Aviation Administration will determine the cause of the crash.
Amazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel said, “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 scene as “really tragic,” but said there was “no apparent threat to public safety.”
The airport temporarily closed all runways and taxiways after the crash, causing major flight disruptions before two of its four runways were later reopened.
Miami Mayor Daniella Levine Cava praised emergency responders, saying, “our fire rescue team was there within seconds of the crash, so we’re deeply grateful.”
Authorities said investigations are ongoing to determine what caused the deadly runway accident.
