A cargo aircraft connected to Amazon’s delivery network crashed at Miami International Airport on Sunday, killing at least five people and injuring five others. The accident happened after the plane went beyond a runway and slammed into an area near moving vehicles, creating a large emergency response and causing major airport delays.
Officials said the aircraft was operating a cargo flight when it failed to stop after landing. The plane crossed the end of the runway and continued into a nearby field. During the crash, it struck several vehicles before coming to a halt.
The accident quickly turned into a major emergency. Firefighters, police officers, and rescue teams rushed to the scene as reports of flames and heavy smoke spread across the airport area. Emergency officials deployed more than 60 response units to handle the situation.
When crews arrived, the aircraft was burning. Thick smoke covered parts of the crash site, making rescue operations more difficult. Firefighters used specialized airport equipment and firefighting foam to control the blaze and prevent it from spreading further.
Rescue teams searched the aircraft and nearby vehicles for survivors. Emergency workers also examined damaged areas around the crash site to locate anyone who may have been injured during the impact.
Authorities confirmed that five people lost their lives in the accident. Five others suffered injuries. Three of the injured were taken to a trauma center in critical condition, while two more victims were transported to local hospitals.
Officials have not released the names of the victims. Investigators are still working to determine whether the people who died were passengers or crew members on the aircraft, motorists on the ground, or a combination of both.
Several people became trapped inside vehicles after the aircraft struck them. Specialized rescue personnel used technical equipment to remove victims safely and provide emergency medical care.
Emergency crews also discovered a fuel leak from the damaged aircraft. Teams immediately began efforts to contain the leak and reduce the risk of another fire. Authorities asked drivers and residents to avoid nearby roads while emergency operations continued.
Officials later stated that there was no ongoing threat to public safety. Even so, access to the area remained restricted as investigators and recovery crews worked at the scene.
Amazon confirmed that one of the aircraft operating within its cargo network was involved in the crash. The company said it was working closely with local authorities and emergency responders to understand what happened.
In a statement, Amazon expressed deep sadness over the loss of life. The company offered condolences to the families and loved ones of those affected by the tragedy.
Amazon also pledged full cooperation with investigators. Company representatives said supporting victims and assisting authorities remain their top priorities.
The accident caused significant disruption at Miami International Airport. Air traffic officials temporarily stopped flight operations while emergency crews responded to the crash. The ground stop lasted for approximately three hours.
Airport officials later reopened two runways, allowing flights to resume. However, many travelers experienced lengthy delays throughout the day. Some arriving flights were delayed by several hours as airport operations gradually returned to normal.
Federal aviation officials identified the aircraft as a Boeing 767-300 cargo jet. The plane had departed from San Juan, Puerto Rico, before arriving in Miami. Aviation records show that the aircraft originally operated as a passenger jet before being converted for cargo service years later.
Investigators have launched a full review of the accident. Federal aviation authorities and transportation safety experts are examining flight records, maintenance documents, runway conditions, weather data, and witness accounts.
Experts say runway overruns can result from many factors. Mechanical issues, weather conditions, runway conditions, or operational challenges may all play a role. Investigators have not announced any preliminary findings.
Transportation officials warned travelers that delays and schedule changes could continue while airport operations stabilize. Airlines are also monitoring the situation as authorities continue their investigation.
The deadly crash marks one of the most serious aviation incidents to affect the Miami area in recent years. Investigators now face the task of determining exactly what caused the aircraft to leave the runway and whether additional safety measures may be needed to prevent similar accidents in the future.
