At least five people have been killed and five others injured after an Amazon Air cargo plane overran the runway and crashed at Miami International Airport on Sunday.
The Boeing 767-300, operating as Air Flight 7598 and operated by 21 Air, was landing at the airport at about 2 p.m. after departing San Juan, Puerto Rico, when it overran the runway, according to the US Federal Aviation Administration. The aircraft struck multiple vehicles near the airport before coming to a stop at the northwest end of the airport. Miami-Dade Fire Rescue said crews arrived to find the aircraft engulfed in heavy flames and smoke. Five people were taken to hospital following the crash, with at least three reported to be in critical condition. Authorities had not released the identities of those killed or injured as of Sunday evening.
Emergency crews mounted a major response, using specialised airport equipment and foam to battle what officials described as a complex engine fire. Firefighters also carried out search-and-rescue operations involving the aircraft’s pilots and co-pilots, who were trapped inside the cockpit. Miami-Dade Fire Rescue reported that one person was trapped underneath one of the vehicles struck by the aircraft and had to be rescued by specialised technical rescue personnel. Crews also worked to shut down the aircraft’s engine and contain a fuel leak.
The crash caused major disruption at one of the United States’ busiest airports. All runways and taxiways were closed following the incident, while US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned travellers to expect delays and possible flight cancellations.
Amazon said it was working closely with local authorities to determine what happened, while making the safety and wellbeing of those affected its immediate priority.
The cause of the crash remains unknown. The FAA is investigating, while the National Transportation Safety Board has launched a team to investigate the accident.
