At least five people died when an Amazon cargo plane barreled off a runway at Miami International Airport on Sunday, striking vehicles and bursting into flames, authorities said. The plane had arrived from San Juan, Puerto Rico, around 2 p.m. when the incident occurred. In addition to the fatalities, three people were critically injured, and two others were hospitalized with less severe injuries, according to Miami-Dade County officials.
Crash details and rescue efforts
The aircraft overran the runway, causing it to veer off course and collide with vehicles on the ground. The impact resulted in a significant fire, which sent thick black smoke billowing into the sky. Rescue crews worked diligently to free people trapped in the wreckage. Miami-Dade Rescue Fire Chief Ray Jadallah reported that the pilot and copilot were trapped in the cockpit, and some occupants remained stuck in cars. Additionally, another person was pinned under a vehicle, highlighting the urgent need for rescue efforts.
The fire crews spent several hours addressing a substantial fuel leak on the plane. This leak posed an additional challenge to the rescue operations and required specialized equipment and techniques to prevent further spreading of the fire or potential explosions. The crash led to the temporary halt of flights at the busy travel hub for much of the afternoon, causing significant disruptions and delays.
Plane and airline information
The Prime Air plane came to rest beside a roadway near two semi-trucks. Despite the intense fire, the aircraft largely remained intact, resting on its belly. The Boeing 767, originally built to carry passengers, was 32 years old at the time of the crash. It had flown for several airlines for over two decades before being converted to a cargo plane in 2015. The flight was operated by 21 Air, a cargo carrier based in North Carolina.
According to flight-tracking data from FlightAware, around 250 flights were delayed at the airport late Sunday afternoon due to the incident. This significant number of delays shows the impact of the crash on the airport’s operations and the broader travel network. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) announced it would be sending a team to Miami, headed by Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy, to investigate the crash and determine its cause.
Company response and witness accounts
In response to the tragic incident, Amazon released a statement expressing its heartfelt condolences to the families, loved ones, and all those affected by the loss of lives. The company pledged to cooperate fully with any investigation into the crash. This commitment to transparency and accountability is essential for understanding the factors contributing to the incident and preventing future occurrences.
Jackson Lee, an electronics shop owner near the crash site, recounted his experience after witnessing the aftermath of the crash. Lee and four colleagues went outside after hearing the commotion and saw smoke rising near the airport’s fences. Lee, who had grown accustomed to the frequent takeoffs and landings at the airport, was shocked by the proximity of the crash to his shop. His account highlights the sudden and unexpected nature of the incident, which starkly contrasted with the usual routine at Miami International Airport.
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