According to Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, the county's Fire and Rescue teams acted with remarkable speed, responding in under 30 seconds to the cargo plane crash that unfolded on Sunday at Miami International Airport (MIA).
Mayor Levine Cava shared this information on Monday via a statement on X, following her attendance at a National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) briefing regarding the ongoing investigation into the incident.
"I am profoundly grateful to our Miami-Dade Fire and Rescue teams for their rapid response, arriving on the scene in under 30 seconds to extinguish the blaze and attend to the injured," Levine Cava conveyed.
The mayor also commended the efforts of aviation staff for both their immediate response to the accident and their management of airport operations and assistance to affected passengers.
In her new statement, Levine Cava expressed her condolences to the victims, emphasizing that her thoughts are with the families of those who lost their lives, the injured, and everyone impacted by this tragedy.
Levine Cava mentioned her ongoing communication with federal authorities and noted she had a direct conversation with NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy prior to Monday's briefing.
"The investigation is just beginning, and we will let the facts lead the way," Levine Cava stated, assuring that the county will continue to work closely with the NTSB and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) throughout the process.
As the investigation proceeds, two of the four runways at Miami International Airport remain closed, Levine Cava confirmed.
The mayor cautioned that this situation will continue to affect flights and urged passengers to check directly with their airlines before heading to the airport.
Authorities are collaborating with the FAA and airlines to minimize disruptions and fully restore operations as soon as feasible.
The crash transpired on Sunday when a 21 Air-operated Boeing 767-300, serving Amazon Air, overshot the runway during landing at MIA after arriving from San Juan, Puerto Rico.
The aircraft breached the airport perimeter, collided with several vehicles, and ignited. Officials later confirmed the deaths of five individuals, with five others injured.
On Monday, the NTSB disclosed new insights into the aircraft's trajectory after overrunning the runway: the plane traveled approximately 1,300 feet—about 396 meters—beyond the paved end, struck at least two vehicles, and both flight recorders have been recovered for investigation.
Key Details and Next Steps in Miami Plane Crash Investigation
What caused the Miami plane crash on Sunday?
The crash occurred when a Boeing 767-300 operated by 21 Air for Amazon Air overshot the runway at Miami International Airport during landing, leading to a collision with several vehicles and a subsequent fire.
How did the emergency response teams react to the crash?
Miami-Dade Fire and Rescue teams responded exceptionally quickly, arriving on the scene in under 30 seconds to put out the fire and provide aid to the injured individuals.
What are the current airport conditions following the crash?
Two out of four runways at Miami International Airport remain closed as investigations continue, impacting flight schedules. Passengers are advised to check with their airlines for updates.