A deadly landing disaster at Miami International Airport left at least five people dead and five others injured Sunday after an Amazon cargo jet ran beyond a runway, slammed into multiple vehicles, and erupted in flames.
The wreck triggered a massive emergency response and brought airport operations under severe strain.
The crash occurred at about 2 p.m. local time as Prime Air Flight 7598 attempted to land on the airport’s diagonal runway, according to the Miami Dade Sheriff’s Office and Miami Dade Fire Rescue.
County dispatch records placed the emergency call at roughly 1:55 p.m.
Officials said at least 10 victims were involved in the catastrophe.
Fire Chief Raied Jadallah reported that three people were transported to a trauma center in critical condition, while two others were taken to a local hospital as crews confronted burning wreckage, trapped occupants, and leaking fuel.
Amazon acknowledged the deadly incident and offered condolences to the victims and their families.
“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,” the company said.
Miami Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava said the rescue team “was there within seconds of the crash.”
That rapid deployment proved critical as firefighters faced a sprawling scene involving flames, heavy smoke, crushed vehicles, injured victims, and an aircraft resting beyond the airport operations boundary.
Jadallah said the danger continued even after crews brought the most visible flames under control.
“We do still have an active fuel leak that’s occurring off of the aircraft that is being mitigated,” Jadallah said.
Fire officials said the blaze originated in the aircraft’s engine and required specialized equipment.
“Firefighters encountered a complex engine compartment fire and used foam from specialized airport firefighting units to extinguish the flames,” officials said.
Hazardous materials teams safely shut down the engine while crews worked to control the leaking fuel.
The combination of fire, fuel, twisted metal, and trapped victims turned the scene into the kind of nightmare emergency personnel train for but hope never to encounter.
Several victims were trapped inside vehicles struck by the cargo plane, according to Miami Dade Fire Rescue.
One required “extrication” by specialized rescue personnel, while other teams searched the cockpit for the pilots and copilots who officials said were trapped inside.
More than 60 fire units and approximately 200 personnel responded after the aircraft crossed beyond the runway and airport boundary.
“Units arrived to find an airplane that had caught on fire as a result of this crash, with heavy flames and smoke showing. Firefighters are working on extinguishing the fire and assessing patients,” Miami Dade Fire Rescue said.
Amazon said the aircraft was operated by 21 Air and experienced an “incident” while attempting to land.
“We can confirm that an Amazon Air plane operated by 21 Air experienced an incident while attempting to land at Miami International Airport today,” the company said.
The Federal Aviation Administration identified the aircraft as a Boeing 767 300 that had departed from Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Boeing said the plane was originally delivered as a passenger aircraft in 1994 and was later converted into a cargo freighter.
Boeing said it would assist the federal investigation into the fatal crash.
“Boeing extends our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in the accident in Miami. Our hearts go out to those injured and affected by this tragedy. Boeing is supporting the investigation led by the U.S National Transportation Safety Board,” the manufacturer said.
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The National Transportation Safety Board is leading the investigation, with assistance from Boeing and other agencies.
Investigators will be tasked with determining why the aircraft failed to stop on the runway, crossed the airport boundary, struck vehicles, and caught fire during what should have been a routine landing.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced a complete ground stop as emergency crews assessed the wreckage.
“We’ve issued a full ground stop at Miami International while first responders assess the scene after an Amazon cargo plane overran the runway. If you’re traveling through the area, please expect significant delays and potential cancellations,” he said.
Airport officials later reopened one runway but warned that the crash continued to affect operations.
Travelers scheduled to fly Sunday were urged to contact their airlines before heading to the airport as investigators, firefighters, and rescue personnel remained on the scene.
