At least five individuals lost their lives, and another five were injured when a cargo Boeing 767-300, operating under Amazon Air, overshot a runway at Miami International Airport (MIA) on Sunday, crashing into multiple vehicles, authorities confirmed.
The incident occurred at 1:58 p.m. as Flight 7598, operated by 21 Air, exceeded runway 30 after arriving from Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico, according to NBC Miami.
During a press conference, Miami-Dade Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz confirmed the tragic loss of five lives. Meanwhile, Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava stated that five others, including the aircraft's two pilots, were hospitalized.
Authorities have yet to publicly disclose the identities of the deceased or the injured.
Collision with Vehicles After Runway Overrun
Following the runway overrun, the massive Boeing ended up at the northwest corner of the airport, colliding with several vehicles near the 2100 block of Northwest 42nd Avenue.
Images captured in the aftermath depicted the large aircraft off the landing area, surrounded by vehicles and engulfed in flames, with a thick plume of black smoke visible from afar.
Emergency teams also identified an active fuel leak, which they managed to control subsequently. Miami-Dade Fire Rescue deployed over 60 units to manage the crisis.
Levine Cava mentioned that the pilots were taken to Jackson South Medical Center, while three others were transported to Jackson Memorial Hospital. Commissioner Natalie Milian Orbis urged residents and drivers to avoid the area as emergency teams continued their efforts.
Airport Operations Disrupted by Crash
The crash temporarily halted operations at Miami International Airport. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a ground stop while the emergency was being addressed. Eventually, two out of four runways were reopened, as communicated by Greg Chin, the Miami-Dade Aviation Department's communications director.
U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy warned travelers of possible delays and cancellations due to the accident.
Amazon confirmed that the aircraft was part of its cargo network. "We can confirm that an Amazon Air plane, operated by 21 Air, experienced an incident attempting to land at Miami International Airport," stated company spokesperson Kelly Nantel. "This is a rapidly evolving situation, and we are still gathering information. Our top priority at this time is ensuring the safety, well-being, and care of everyone involved," she added.
The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) announced they would dispatch teams to Miami to investigate the accident.
Currently, the reason for the Boeing 767-300's runway overshoot remains undetermined.
Key Questions Regarding the Miami Plane Crash
What caused the Miami plane crash involving the Boeing 767-300?
As of now, the cause of the Boeing 767-300 overshooting the runway remains unknown, and investigations are underway by the FAA and NTSB.
How has the Miami International Airport been affected by the crash?
The accident led to a temporary halt in airport operations, but two of the four runways have since been reopened. Delays and cancellations may still occur.
What actions has Amazon taken in response to the crash?
Amazon has confirmed the involvement of their cargo network in the incident and is prioritizing the safety and care of those affected while gathering more information.