An Amazon Air Boeing 767 freighter has overrun one of the runways at Miami International Airport (MIA), tragically resulting in the deaths of at least five people after striking multiple vehicles.
The aircraft overran runway 30 at around 14:00hrs local time on September 6. Reports suggest the aircraft was being operated by 21 Air.
The Miami-Dade County mayor, Daniella Levine Cava, told a news conference that at least five people had died and another five had been injured.
Following the incident, the airport closed all runways and taxiways and issued a ground stop, although according to a later update, one runway has since been reopened. Flights were expected to restart at around 17:30 local time.
“Earlier today, Prime Air Flight 7598 overran Miami International Airport’s diagonal runway. One runway is currently open, but we are still seeing impacts due to this incident,” MIA said in a statement.
Images on social media showed smoke and flames emanating from the aircraft after the incident. The images also show the aircraft having come to a stop close to a highway.
The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said it would launch an investigation.
“21 Air Flight 7598 overran the runway after landing at Miami International Airport around 2 p.m. local time on Sunday, Sept. 6. The Boeing 767-300 cargo aircraft departed from Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The FAA will investigate,” the organisation said in a social media post.
The Miami-Dade Fire Rescue service said the aircraft hit several vehicles.
“Over 60 Miami–Dade Fire Rescue units are on scene of an incident involving a plane that overran a runway and struck multiple vehicles near Miami International Airport. Units arrived to find an airplane that had caught on fire as a result of this crash, with heavy flames and smoke showing,” the emergency service said.
Amazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel said: “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.”
The US National Transportation Safety Board has put together a team to investigate.
