A cargo plane linked to Amazon crashed after it went beyond a runway at Miami International Airport on Sunday. The deadly event left at least five people dead and five others hurt. Emergency crews rushed to the scene as thick smoke and fire spread from the aircraft.
Officials said the Prime Air cargo plane was being operated by 21 Air, a company based in North Carolina. The aircraft went past one of the airport’s runways before coming to a stop in a nearby field. During the crash, the plane also struck several vehicles close to the airport.
The accident happened near Northwest 42nd Avenue. Miami-Dade Fire Rescue sent more than 60 units to respond. The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office also joined the emergency effort.
Fire rescue crews arrived to find the aircraft on fire. Heavy smoke could be seen rising from the wreckage. Firefighters used foam and special airport firefighting equipment to control the flames. Rescue teams worked quickly to search the damaged plane and nearby vehicles.
Officials said the situation was difficult because of the fire, the damaged aircraft, and the number of people involved. Rescue workers searched the cockpit area where the pilot and co-pilot were believed to be located. They also checked other parts of the crash site for injured victims.
Five people were confirmed dead. Another five people suffered injuries. Three of the injured were taken to a trauma center in critical condition. Two others were transported to local hospitals for treatment. Authorities have not released the identities of any victims.
Investigators have not yet confirmed whether the people who died were on the plane or on the ground when the crash occurred. Officials said it was still too early to determine that information.
Several people became trapped inside vehicles after the aircraft struck them. Specialized rescue teams worked to free those victims from the wreckage. Emergency crews spent hours helping the injured and securing the area.
Officials also reported an active fuel leak from the aircraft. Crews worked to contain the leak and prevent additional dangers. Local residents and drivers were asked to stay away from nearby roads while emergency operations continued.
Authorities stressed that there was no ongoing threat to public safety. However, the area around the crash remained heavily restricted while crews handled the emergency response.
Amazon confirmed that one of its cargo planes was involved in the accident. The company said it was working closely with local officials and emergency responders to understand what happened.
An Amazon spokesperson said the company’s main concern was the safety and well-being of everyone affected. The spokesperson also expressed sympathy for the families of those who lost their lives.
The company stated that it was deeply saddened by the deaths and pledged full cooperation with investigators. Amazon said it would support authorities as they examine the cause of the crash.
The accident also affected airport operations. The Federal Aviation Administration issued a ground stop at Miami International Airport during the emergency response. Flights were temporarily halted while rescue crews worked near the runway.
Airport officials later reopened two runways. The ground stop lasted about three hours before it was lifted. Even after operations resumed, many flights continued to face long delays. Some arriving flights were delayed by more than six hours on Sunday evening.
Federal officials confirmed the aircraft involved was a Boeing 767-300. The plane had departed from San Juan, Puerto Rico, before the crash. Aviation records show the aircraft was about 32 years old. It originally served as a passenger plane for several airlines before being converted into a cargo aircraft in 2015.
The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board have both launched investigations. Investigators will examine flight data, aircraft conditions, weather information, and witness accounts to determine what caused the runway overrun.
Transportation officials warned travelers to expect possible delays and cancellations as airport operations continue to recover. The investigation is expected to continue in the coming days as authorities seek answers about one of the deadliest aviation incidents in the region in recent years.
