An Amazon cargo plane burst into flames after crashing at the Miami International Airport.
According to CNN, at least five people died and injured five others after the cargo plane overrun the runway on Sunday afternoon, September 6, striking several vehicles on the road.
A thick black plume of smoke rose into the air after Boeing 767-300 Amazon Air Cargo crashed on the runway after departing from Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico, before 14:00 local time.
Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava said at a news conference on Sunday evening, “At least five people have lost their lives, and five others are injured,” adding that the rescue crew arrived at the scene within “seconds” of the incident.
“Right now, our focus is on the families, those who were injured, and the ongoing response,” she added.
The mayor also said that all of the injured were rushed to the hospital with “unknown injuries.”
Meanwhile, Miami Fire Chief Raied Jadallah said that three of the five people injured in the crash are in critical condition and were taken to a trauma center, while the other two were taken to a local hospital.
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue said in a post on X that more than 60 “units arrived to find an airplane that had caught on fire as a result of this crash, with heavy flames and smoke showing.”
Amazon breaks silence after deadly crash
The cause of the crash is not known yet. However, Amazon said that it is “working closely with local authorities and officials to understand exactly what happened."
Kelly Nantel, an Amazon spokesperson, said in a statement to CNN, “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,” she continued.
The National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will carry the investigation.
