An Amazon-branded cargo plane crashed just outside Miami International Airport on Sunday afternoon after overrunning the runway during landing, killing five people and injuring five others in one of the deadliest cargo aviation incidents in recent years.
How The Crash Unfolded
The Boeing 767-300, operated by North Carolina-based carrier 21 Air as Flight 7598, was arriving from San Juan, Puerto Rico, when it overran Runway 30 just before 2 p.m. local time, struck multiple vehicles, and came to rest in a field next to the airport. Video from the scene showed thick black smoke rising from the aircraft as it caught fire near the 2100 block of Northwest 42nd Avenue.
Rescue Efforts On The Ground
More than 200 Miami-Dade Fire Rescue personnel responded to the scene, battling flames in the aircraft's engine compartments while also working to free several people trapped inside their vehicles using specialized technical rescue equipment. Crews also carried out a search for the plane's pilot and co-pilot, who were reported to be trapped in the cockpit, though officials have not released details on their condition.
Casualties And Response
Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava confirmed five deaths, while five other people were hospitalized, three in critical condition. Officials said it remained unclear whether those killed were aboard the aircraft or on the ground at the time of the crash. Amazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel said the company was heartbroken by the loss of life, while 21 Air's chief executive Keith Winters called the crash devastating and said the company was cooperating fully with federal investigators.
Investigation Underway
Both the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board have launched investigations into the crash, with an NTSB team led by chairwoman Jennifer Homendy sent to the scene. The incident forced a roughly three-hour ground stop at one of the country's busiest airports during the Labor Day travel weekend, delaying or canceling more than 450 flights.