MIAM (The COW News Digital) An Amazon Prime Air cargo aircraft crashed after reportedly leaving the runway during landing at Miami International Airport in Florida, striking several vehicles in a nearby parking area and leaving multiple people dead and injured.
According to international media reports, the Boeing 767-300 failed to remain under control after touching down and moved beyond the runway before entering an area where vehicles were parked. Several cars were reportedly dragged or struck by the aircraft, with people inside some of the vehicles at the time of the incident.
A fire broke out following the crash, sending thick black smoke across the airport and creating panic among passengers, staff and people in the surrounding area. More than 60 fire and rescue units were deployed to contain the flames and assist those affected.
Officials reported that five people were killed and five others suffered serious injuries in the incident. Some individuals were trapped inside vehicles after the aircraft struck the parking area, while the plane’s pilot and co-pilot were also reportedly trapped inside the aircraft.
The US Federal Aviation Administration confirmed that the aircraft involved was Amazon Prime Air Flight 7598, which had arrived in Miami from San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Authorities had not immediately released the final number of people aboard the aircraft. Rescue teams also faced additional challenges because fuel continued to leak from the damaged aircraft several hours after the crash, requiring emergency personnel to take extra precautions while working at the scene.
32-Year-Old Aircraft Converted For Cargo Operations
Flight-tracking website Flightradar24 indicated that the Boeing 767 involved in the accident was approximately 32 years old.
The aircraft had spent more than two decades operating as a passenger plane before being converted into a freighter in 2015. It was subsequently used for cargo operations connected to Amazon.
However, Amazon clarified that the aircraft was not directly operated by the company. Its flight operations were being conducted by 21 Air, a cargo airline that operated the service on Amazon’s behalf.
Amazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel said the company was cooperating with local authorities and relevant agencies as they worked to determine what happened.
Investigation Underway
The US National Transportation Safety Board said it was aware of the crash and indicated that further information would be released as the investigation progressed.
The FAA has also launched an investigation into the incident.
The immediate cause of the crash remains unclear. Investigators are expected to examine several possible factors, including weather conditions, the aircraft’s mechanical condition, crew actions and other circumstances surrounding the landing.
Authorities are continuing to assess the crash site while investigators work to establish the sequence of events that caused the aircraft to leave the runway and collide with vehicles.
