Several killed in Amazon cargo plane crash in Miami
At least five people have died after a cargo plane crashed at Miami International Airport. The aircraft overran a runway, struck several vehicles and caught fire.
An Amazon cargo plane veered off the runway at Miami International Airport on Sunday, resulting in at least five fatalities as it collided with vehicles and ignited. The aircraft overshot the runway around 2 p.m. local time following a flight from San Juan, Puerto Rico. Authorities reported five deaths, with three individuals critically injured and two others suffering lesser wounds.
Miami-Dade County officials emphasized their top priority was the well-being of those impacted, while officials declined to specify whether the victims were passengers on the plane or occupants of struck vehicles. Thick black smoke billowed into the air, trapping the pilot, copilot, and others in the aircraft and nearby cars. The Boeing 767-300 cargo plane, operated by 21 Air, a North Carolina-based cargo carrier, was bound for Miami from San Juan, Puerto Rico.
The NTSB announced they had initiated an investigation into the runway excursion accident. Amazon pledged to cooperate with the inquiry, expressing sorrow over the loss of life and condolences to affected families. Approximately 250 flights were delayed at the airport later that day, per FlightAware. Firefighters continued to contend with a fuel leak hours later.
A local businessman recounted hearing planes taking off and landing every few minutes before the crash, but never imagined the event could occur so close to his establishment.
Written by urgent.news from DW English (Top Stories)'s reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
