At least five people have been killed and five others injured after an Amazon cargo plane overshot a runway at Miami International Airport and crashed into several vehicles, sparking a major fire, officials said.
The Prime Air Boeing 767 cargo aircraft landed at the airport at about 1:58 p.m. local time on Sunday after flying from San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Miami-Dade County Fire Chief Ray Jadallah said the aircraft struck several vehicles after leaving the runway, trapping some people inside.
“The airplane did strike a couple of vehicles,” Jadallah told reporters, adding that firefighters had to carry out a complex rescue operation to free victims from the vehicles and aircraft.
Three of the injured victims were taken to trauma centres in critical condition, while two others were treated at a local hospital.
Jadallah said firefighters also conducted a search-and-rescue operation involving the aircraft’s pilot and co-pilot, who were trapped inside the plane. He did not confirm whether either crew member survived.
Footage from the scene showed thick smoke rising from the blue-and-white aircraft as emergency crews rushed to contain the blaze.
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue deployed about 60 emergency vehicles and nearly 200 personnel to the scene. Firefighters used foam to extinguish the fire in the aircraft’s engine compartment, while hazardous materials teams worked to contain a fuel leak and secure the aircraft’s engine.
Officials said one person was found trapped underneath one of the vehicles and was freed by specialised technical rescue personnel.
The cause of the runway excursion has not been established. The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are expected to investigate the crash.
The NTSB said it had dispatched an investigative team to examine the accident involving the B-767-300 cargo aircraft.
Amazon expressed condolences to the victims and their families, saying the company would cooperate with the investigation.
“We’re heartbroken to learn that five people lost their lives in today’s incident at Miami International Airport,” Amazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel said.
“Our deepest sympathies go out to the families, loved ones, and all those affected by this devastating loss.”
Miami Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz described the scene as “really tragic” but said there was no apparent threat to public safety.
Following the crash, Miami International Airport temporarily closed all runways and taxiways, causing widespread delays and cancellations.
The airport later reopened two of its four runways, according to local reports, while passengers were advised to check with their airlines for the latest flight information.
Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava praised emergency responders for their swift action.
“Our fire rescue team was there within seconds of the crash, so we’re deeply grateful,” she said.
The investigation into the cause of the crash and the circumstances surrounding the deaths and injuries is ongoing. (AFP)
