An Amazon Air cargo Boeing 767-300 crashed while attempting to land at Miami International Airport on Sunday, killing five people and seriously injuring five others.
The aircraft, operated by North Carolina-based charter company 21 Air, had departed Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico, before attempting to land in Miami shortly before 14:00 local time.
The aircraft reportedly overran Miami International Airport’s diagonal runway and came to rest near a parking area serving an Amazon warehouse and other businesses. Several vehicles on the ground were struck in the crash.
Firefighters arriving within seconds found the aircraft engulfed in heavy flames and smoke. More than 200 firefighters responded, eventually extinguishing the blaze, although a fuel leak remained at the scene.
Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava confirmed that five people had died, while five others were injured. Miami Fire Chief Raied Jadallah said three of those injured were in critical condition. Some victims had reportedly become trapped inside or beneath vehicles and had to be extricated by rescue crews.
Flight-tracking data indicated the aircraft was travelling at approximately 112 knots (129 mph / 207 km/h) as it left the usable runway. At the time, Miami was experiencing light thunderstorms and gusting winds.
The crash caused major disruption at Miami International Airport, with flights cancelled or delayed as emergency crews responded. Passengers reported long lines at airline counters as travelers attempted to rearrange their plans during the busy Labor Day weekend.
Officials stressed that it is too early to determine what caused the accident. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the investigation and is expected to provide further information.
Amazon expressed condolences to the victims’ families and said it would cooperate fully with authorities.
The tragedy occurred at one of the United States’ busiest airports for international freight, highlighting the potentially devastating consequences when an aircraft overruns a runway in a densely developed airport environment.
What caused the Boeing 767 to leave the runway remains a key question for investigators.
