An Amazon.com Inc. cargo plane, Prime Air Flight 7598, overshot a runway at Miami International Airport on Sunday afternoon, September 6, after arriving from San Juan, Puerto Rico. The Boeing 767-300, operated by 21 Air, subsequently burst into flames, leading to the closure of the airport's runways and taxiways and prompting an emergency response. The incident occurred around 2 p.m. local time.
The crash tragically killed at least five people and injured five others. Three of the injured are in critical condition, while two sustained less severe injuries. The plane plowed across a road used by warehouse workers and other businesses surrounding the airport, striking multiple vehicles. The pilot and copilot were reportedly trapped in the cockpit, and some occupants were trapped in cars.
Federal investigators, including the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), are detailing their plans to determine the cause of the crash. Experts suggest that factors such as whether the plane flew too far before touching down will be considered, as the typical landing zone is within the first 3,000 feet of a runway. The crash caused thick black smoke to billow into the sky, and more than 200 emergency personnel responded, using foam to extinguish the complex engine compartment fire. Firefighters also dealt with a fuel leak hours after the incident.
The accident occurred over Labor Day weekend, one of the busiest travel times of the year, causing significant disruption at Miami International Airport. All flights were initially grounded, and while two of the four runways were reopened by Sunday evening, many flights were canceled or delayed, leading to long lines and frustration among travelers. Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava stated that rescue crews arrived within seconds of the crash, and Amazon has expressed its commitment to working with authorities to understand what happened.
