The Boeing 767-300 overran the runway, struck vehicles, and caused multiple injuries
Category: Politics
Five people are dead and five others injured after an Amazon-branded cargo plane crashed just outside Miami International Airport on Sunday afternoon, officials reported. The Boeing 767-300 cargo aircraft, operated by 21 Air, overran the runway just before 2 p.m. ET as it was landing after arriving from San Juan, Puerto Rico, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
The plane overran Runway 30, struck multiple vehicles, and came to rest in a field adjacent to the airport, Miami-Dade County Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz said during a news conference. Three people were reported in serious condition and transported to a trauma center, whereas two others were taken to a local hospital with less severe injuries.
Miami-Dade Fire Chief Raied Jadallah stated that more than 60 Miami-Dade Fire Rescue units responded to the scene, where firefighters worked diligently to extinguish a "very complex fire" that involved the aircraft's engine compartments. Video footage showed thick black smoke billowing from the wreckage, raising concerns about the safety of those involved.
The tragic incident has left the community in shock, as officials have yet to confirm whether the deceased were among the passengers on the plane or individuals in the vehicles struck by the aircraft. Miami officials emphasized that it was premature to determine the identities of those who perished.
In addition to the fatalities, the crash caused a substantial disruption at Miami International Airport, one of the busiest travel hubs in the United States. A ground stop was issued, halting all flights for much of the afternoon and leading to approximately 250 flight delays, according to FlightAware, a website that tracks flight disruptions. By late afternoon, two of the airport's four runways had reopened, but delays were expected to continue into the following day.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned travelers of potential cancellations, stating, "If you’re traveling through the area, please expect substantial delays and potential cancellations." The FAA confirmed that it has initiated an investigation into the crash, with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) also dispatching a team led by Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy to assess the situation.
The response from local authorities was swift, with Miami-Dade Fire Rescue arriving on the scene within seconds of the incident. Fire Chief Jadallah noted that responders had to conduct a "complex extrication" to rescue the pilot and co-pilot, who were trapped inside the cockpit. Some occupants in the vehicles struck by the plane were also found to be trapped, necessitating immediate rescue efforts.
As the situation unfolded, a hotline was established for relatives of those potentially involved in the accident, providing a resource for concerned family members seeking information. The scene remained active for several hours, with fire crews addressing an active fuel leak from the aircraft.
Amazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel expressed the company's sorrow over the incident, stating, "We’re heartbroken to learn that five people lost their lives in today’s incident at Miami International Airport. Our deepest sympathies go out to the families, loved ones, and all those affected by this devastating loss." Nantel added that Amazon would cooperate fully with the investigation.
The aircraft involved in the crash, Prime Air Flight 7598, was a 32-year-old Boeing 767 originally built to carry passengers before being converted to a cargo plane in 2015. According to flight-tracking site Flightradar24, the aircraft had flown for various airlines over its two-decade history before its current operation under 21 Air, a cargo carrier based in North Carolina.
Witnesses near the crash site reported seeing thick smoke rising shortly after the plane went down. Jackson Lee, who runs an electronics shop nearby, recalled the moment: "We hear planes taking off and landing every five minutes. I thought I’d got used to it. I never thought it could come this close to us." This sentiment reflects the community's sense of vulnerability in light of the tragedy.
As investigations continue into the cause of the crash, both the FAA and NTSB will work to determine the factors that contributed to this devastating incident. The FAA has indicated that it will provide updates as more information becomes available.
The implications of this crash extend beyond the immediate loss of life and injuries; it raises questions about aviation safety and the protocols in place for cargo operations. With the FAA and NTSB involved, there is hope that lessons learned from this tragedy will lead to improvements in safety measures.
Meanwhile, the Miami-Dade community is left to grapple with the aftermath of the crash, mourning the loss of life and supporting those affected. As officials continue to work on recovery efforts and provide assistance to families, the focus remains on ensuring that such incidents do not occur in the future.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks associated with aviation, particularly in busy urban areas. The investigation's findings will be closely watched as they may influence future regulations and safety practices in the industry.
The scene remains under investigation, and updates will be provided as the situation develops. The NTSB is expected to release preliminary findings in the coming days, shedding light on the circumstances surrounding this tragic event.