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At least five people were killed after an Amazon cargo plane overshot a runway at Miami International Airport, crashed into vehicles and caught fire on Sunday, officials said.
Miami-Dade County Fire Chief Ray Jadallah said three other people were taken to trauma centres in critical condition, while two others received treatment at a local hospital.
The Boeing 767 cargo aircraft, operating as Prime Air Flight 7598, arrived from San Juan, Puerto Rico, at about 1:58pm local time before the crash.
“The airplane did strike a couple of vehicles,” Jadallah told reporters, adding that some victims were trapped inside the vehicles.
He said Miami-Dade Fire Rescue’s technical rescue team carried out a complex extrication operation, including a search for the pilot and co-pilot who were trapped inside the aircraft.
Jadallah did not say whether either crew member survived, while officials declined to take further questions after their brief statements.
Footage from the scene showed thick smoke rising from the blue-and-white Boeing 767 as fire trucks rushed to the crash site.
Fire officials said the aircraft caught fire following the crash, while about 60 emergency vehicles and nearly 200 firefighters and rescue personnel responded.
Foam was used to extinguish a fire in the aircraft’s engine compartment, while specialised hazardous materials teams shut down the engine and worked to contain a fuel leak.
One person was also trapped beneath one of the vehicles involved in the crash and was freed by technical rescue personnel, according to fire officials.
The cause of the crash will be determined by the US Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board.
Investigation launched
The NTSB said it had launched a team to investigate the runway excursion involving the Boeing 767-300 cargo aircraft.
The agency said the plane was flying from San Juan, Puerto Rico, to Miami when the incident occurred.
Amazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel said the company would cooperate with investigators.
“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,” Nantel said.
Miami Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz described the scene as “really tragic” but said there was no apparent threat to public safety.
The airport temporarily closed all runways and taxiways following the crash, causing numerous flight delays and cancellations.
Airport authorities advised travellers to check directly with their airlines before travelling to the airport.
The Miami Herald later reported that two of the airport’s four runways had reopened.
Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava praised emergency responders for their quick intervention.
“Our fire rescue team was there within seconds of the crash, so we’re deeply grateful,” she said.
