MIAMI (AP) — A tragic incident occurred at Miami International Airport on Sunday, where an Amazon cargo plane crashed after overrunning the runway, resulting in the deaths of at least five individuals. The aircraft struck several vehicles upon impact and subsequently burst into flames, raising significant alarm among onlookers and emergency responders.
The Boeing 767 cargo plane, which was arriving from San Juan, Puerto Rico, for 21 Air, a cargo carrier headquartered in North Carolina, suffered a catastrophic failure around 2 p.m. local time. Initial reports confirmed that five people lost their lives, while three others sustained critical injuries. Additionally, two patients were transported to the hospital with less severe injuries, as detailed by officials from Miami-Dade County during a news conference.
Miami-Dade Rescue Fire Chief Ray Jadallah provided insights into the rescue efforts, stating that some individuals were trapped within their vehicles. The pilots of the aircraft, which included both a pilot and a copilot, were likewise entrapped inside the plane. Emergency crews faced challenges as they also dealt with a fuel leak from the aircraft several hours post-crash, underscoring the complexity of the situation they were managing.
Over 60 units from the Miami-Dade Fire Rescue team responded rapidly to the scene, arriving to confront a burning aircraft. Their initial focus was on extinguishing the flames while assessing the conditions of the patients involved in the accident. Images captured from the site depicted the Amazon Prime Air plane resting on its belly beside a roadway, precariously positioned near two semi-trucks. Despite the extensive fire, the aircraft remained largely intact, illustrating the severity of the crash without complete disintegration.
Flight tracking information revealed that the Boeing 767, which had a storied history of passenger service for over two decades before transitioning to cargo in 2015, was notable for its age, being 32 years old. The incident resulted in widespread disruptions at the airport, with FlightAware reporting approximately 250 delayed flights as a direct consequence of the crash.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) announced the deployment of a team to Miami to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident. NTSB Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy will lead the team, aiming to uncover the details of what transpired before and during the crash.
Amazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel expressed the company's commitment to the situation through a social media statement. Nantel indicated that the company was collaborating closely with local authorities and officials to gain a comprehensive understanding of the events leading up to the incident. She emphasized that the primary focus at present is the safety and well-being of all individuals affected by the crash.
