Amazon cargo plane crashes after overshooting Miami airport runway; at least 5 killed

At least five people are dead and five others were injured after an Amazon cargo plane overran a runway at Miami International Airport and struck several vehicles Sunday, officials said. The crash prompted a roughly 3-hour ground stop at the airport as emergency crews responded to the scene.

Miami-Dade Aviation confirmed it was a Prime Air plane and that it overran the airport's diagonal runway. The plane was disabled at the northwest end of the airport, officials said. 

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue (MDFR) said the plane hit several vehicles near the 2100 block of Northwest 42nd Avenue, and more than 60 of its units were responding. The Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office said it was also responding.  

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue battles fire after plane crash, rescues victims 

MDFR said when the crews arrived, they found the plane with heavy smoke and flames showing had stopped beyond the airport's operational boundary. Using foam and specialized airport firefighting units, MDFR crews fought to extinguish the fire. Crews also conducted search and rescue operations for the pilots and co-pilots inside the cockpit while locating and assessing patients throughout the scene, MDFR said. 

One person was trapped under an involved vehicle and was extricated by specialized MDFR technical rescue personnel, officials said. Three injured victims were taken to a local trauma center in critical condition. Two others were assessed and taken to local hospitals. No victims have yet been identified.

Fuel leak reported at crash site

MDFR said there was an active fuel leak "occurring off of the aircraft that is being mitigated." Residents and motorists are urged to avoid the area of 67th Avenue and 25th Street, Commissioner Natalie Milian Orbis said.

Officials say there is no ongoing threat to public safety.

Amazon responds to crash

"We can confirm that an Amazon Air plane operated by 21 Air experienced an incident while attempting to land at Miami International Airport [Sunday]," Kelly Nantel, an Amazon spokesperson, said. "This is a fast-moving situation and we're still gathering details. We're working closely with local authorities and officials to understand exactly what happened. Right now, our absolute priority is the safety, well-being, and care of everyone involved. We're doing everything we can to support those affected." 

Nantel later issued the statement below:

"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 airplane, which was operated by 21 Air, was attempting to land when this incident occurred. We're working closely with local authorities and officials to learn more and will cooperate fully with any investigation."

Is Miami International Airport still under a ground stop?

The Air Traffic Control System Command Center (ATCSSC), part of the FAA, issued the ground stop around 2:30 p.m. ET. Two of the airport's runways have since been reopened, according to Greg Chin, the Communications Director for the Miami-Dade Aviation Department.  

The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed that a Boeing 767-300 that departed from San Juan, Puerto Rico, was involved. The agency said it is investigating. The NTSB has also launched a go team to investigate.

Sean Duffy, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation, shared a brief statement on X, advising travelers of possible delays and cancelations.