Amazon cargo Boeing 767 overruns Miami runway, five killed

A Boeing 767-300 cargo aircraft operating for Amazon overran a diagonal runway at Miami International Airport on Sunday, killing five people and seriously injuring five others, Miami-Dade officials said. The flight had departed Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and crashed shortly before 14:00 local time.

Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava said rescue crews arrived within seconds and that authorities were focused on families and the injured. Miami Fire Chief Raied Jadallah reported that three of the five injured were in critical condition and that several victims were trapped in or under vehicles and required extrication.

Miami International Airport stated the airplane, operated by charter company 21 Air on behalf of Amazon, “overran Miami International Airport’s diagonal runway and is disabled at the northwest end of the airport.” Flight tracking data from FlightRadar24 indicated the aircraft was traveling about 112 knots as it exited the usable runway and came to rest near a parking lot serving an Amazon warehouse and nearby businesses.

Miami Dade Fire Rescue said crews found the aircraft on fire with heavy flames and smoke; more than 200 firefighters responded and extinguished the blaze, though a fuel leak remained at the site. The Federal Aviation Administration ordered all flights grounded as emergency crews worked at the smoking crash scene.

Amazon said it was working closely with local authorities and officials to understand the incident, offering condolences. Kelly Nantel, Amazon’s Director of Corporate Global Media Relations, said the company was heartbroken and would cooperate with investigations.

Officials said the National Transportation Safety Board will investigate the cause and planned to hold a news conference on Monday. The BBC contacted 21 Air for comment but had not received a response.

Liberal News Analysis: What Does This Development Mean?

The available information documents an Amazon-operated cargo flight, operated by 21 Air, overrunning Miami International Airport’s diagonal runway and striking vehicles, resulting in five fatalities and five serious injuries. Emergency response included over 200 firefighters who extinguished flames while a fuel leak persisted. Federal and local agencies, including the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board, are involved and will proceed with investigation and briefings.

Quick Glance: What You Need to Know

• Boeing 767-300 cargo flight overran Miami International Airport’s diagonal runway and crashed near 14:00 local time.
• Five people were killed and five others seriously injured; three injured are in critical condition.
• Aircraft operated by 21 Air for Amazon; flight departed San Juan, Puerto Rico.
• More than 200 firefighters responded; fire extinguished but a fuel leak remained.
• FAA grounded flights and NTSB will investigate; Amazon said it is cooperating with authorities.