At least five people have tragically lost their lives and five others sustained injuries after an Amazon cargo plane overshot the runway at Miami International Airport this evening.
The Boeing 767-300 jet, arriving from Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico, failed to stop on the runway and collided with several vehicles, according to fire service reports.
Witnesses reported seeing thick plumes of black smoke billowing into the sky following the crash, heightening concerns among local residents.
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Miami Mayor Daniella Levine Cava confirmed the fatalities and injuries, urging the public to avoid the vicinity as emergency services continue to manage what remains an active and developing incident.
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue responded swiftly after receiving reports at approximately 1:55 pm local time of the plane overrunning the runway and striking multiple vehicles.
Miami International Airport authorities announced that Prime Air flight 7598 was incapacitated at the northwest end of the airport’s diagonal runway. Consequently, all runways and taxiways were closed from 3:00 pm, with a ground stop implemented to ensure safety and facilitate emergency operations.
The Federal Aviation Administration has announced it will launch a formal investigation to determine the precise circumstances leading to the accident.
Amazon released a statement confirming that an Amazon Air plane operated by 21 Air was involved in an incident during its landing attempt at the airport. The company stressed that it is a rapidly evolving situation and that they are collaborating closely with local authorities to ascertain the facts.
Amazon emphasised that the safety and well-being of all those affected is their utmost priority, and they are committed to providing support to the victims and emergency personnel during this difficult time.