A cargo plane operating for Amazon overran a runway at Miami International Airport, striking vehicles and catching fire, resulting in five deaths and five injuries.
Key facts
- •The crash occurred at approximately 2pm local time on Sunday at Miami International Airport.
- •The aircraft was a 32-year-old Boeing 767-300 freighter operated by 21 Air on behalf of Amazon.
- •Five people were killed and five were injured, with three of the survivors in critical condition.
- •The plane struck multiple vehicles after overrunning the runway and breaking through a perimeter fence.
- •The National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration are investigating the accident.
At least five people were killed and five others injured on Sunday when a Boeing 767-300 cargo aircraft overran a runway at Miami International Airport. The plane, which was operating for Amazon under the carrier 21 Air, arrived from San Juan, Puerto Rico, at approximately 2pm local time. After failing to stop within the airfield boundary, the aircraft breached a perimeter fence and a service road, colliding with multiple vehicles before erupting into flames.
By the numbers
Emergency Response and Casualties
Miami-Dade County officials confirmed that five people died in the incident. Of the five injured, three individuals are in critical condition, while two others were hospitalized with less severe injuries. Fire rescue chief Ray Jadallah reported that emergency responders worked to extract people trapped inside both the aircraft and several motorized vehicles struck during the crash. More than 60 fire rescue units were deployed to the scene to extinguish the blaze and manage a fuel leak that persisted for several hours.
Operational Impact and Investigation
The accident forced the closure of all runways and taxiways at Miami International Airport, leading to a full ground stop during the busy Labor Day weekend. US Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned travelers to expect significant delays. The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the crash. While weather records indicate a thunderstorm with gusting winds occurred at the time of landing, authorities have not yet established a cause for the incident.
Aircraft and Operator Details
The aircraft involved was a 32-year-old Boeing 767-300 freighter that had served as a passenger plane for over 20 years before being converted for cargo use in 2015. It was operated by 21 Air, an independent carrier contracted by Amazon. Amazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel stated that the company is working with local authorities to understand the circumstances of the crash, emphasizing that the safety of those involved is their primary concern.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by MercoPress, Al Jazeera, Al Jazeera.
