An individual was trapped beneath one of the vehicles struck by a Boeing 767-300 cargo plane operating for Amazon Air that overshot a runway at Miami International Airport on Sunday, the Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Department (MDFR) disclosed.
Specialized rescue teams were dispatched to free the victim while other firefighters battled the aircraft blaze and managed a fuel leak, according to an official MDFR update shared on social media platform X.
The department reported receiving notifications around 1:55 p.m. about a hazardous incident involving a cargo plane that had collided with several vehicles near the airport.
The aircraft was Flight 7598 from 21 Air, a Boeing 767-300 cargo plane operating for Amazon Air, arriving in Miami from San Juan, Puerto Rico.
After landing, the plane overshot the runway and ended up at the northwestern edge of the airport, where it crashed into multiple vehicles and ignited.
Complex Rescue Amidst Flames
Upon arrival, the first emergency teams encountered the aircraft engulfed in flames, facing a complicated fire affecting the engine area.
Amidst the chaos, firefighters discovered a person trapped under one of the vehicles involved in the accident. Technical rescue specialists worked to free them while airport fire units used foam to tackle the blaze.
The MDFR statement did not specify the condition of the individual or whether they were among those later transported to hospitals.
Massive Response to the Catastrophe
The scale of the accident prompted a massive response: more than 60 units and approximately 200 Miami-Dade Fire Rescue personnel were involved in the operation.
Hazardous materials units also intervened to manage an active fuel leak from the aircraft. In total, firefighters confirmed the transportation of five individuals to hospitals. Authorities later reported that the accident resulted in five fatalities.
Airport Closure and Ongoing Investigation
The incident initially forced the closure of runways and taxiways at Miami International Airport during the emergency operations. Hours later, two of the four runways were reopened, although authorities advised passengers to check with airlines for potential delays and cancellations.
Once the primary fire was under control, some Miami-Dade Fire Rescue units remained on-site to support other agencies and continue monitoring the fuel leak.
The department assured that there was no threat to the Miami-Dade community's safety but urged the public to stay clear of the area as operations continued.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that it would investigate the crash to determine what caused the Boeing 767-300 to overshoot the runway.
FAQs About the Miami Amazon Air Cargo Plane Crash
What caused the Amazon Air cargo plane to crash at Miami International Airport?
The cause of the crash is currently under investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to determine why the Boeing 767-300 overshot the runway.
How many people were affected by the Amazon Air plane crash?
The accident resulted in five fatalities, and five individuals were transported to hospitals for treatment.
What was the response from emergency services following the crash?
Over 60 units and approximately 200 Miami-Dade Fire Rescue personnel were involved in the response, including specialized rescue teams and hazardous materials units.