Tragic Amazon Cargo Plane Crash in Miami: Five Dead, Several Injured
POLICY WIRE — Miami, Florida — A devastating accident occurred on Sunday when an Amazon cargo plane, operated by 21 Air, overran a runway at Miami International Airport, leading to the death of at...
POLICY WIRE — Miami, Florida — A devastating accident occurred on Sunday when an Amazon cargo plane, operated by 21 Air, overran a runway at Miami International Airport, leading to the death of at least five individuals and injuring five others.
>
The incident forced the airport to halt operations for approximately three hours as emergency crews rushed to the site. The plane, which was carrying cargo, ended up in a field adjacent to the runway after colliding with several vehicles.
>
According to Miami-Dade Fire Rescue, the crash happened near the 2100 block of Northwest 42nd Avenue. Over 60 units from the fire rescue team were dispatched to the area, along with the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office.
>
Among the injured, three were in critical condition and were transported to a nearby trauma center. The other two were also taken to local hospitals for medical attention. Authorities have not yet released the identities of the victims.
>
Upon arrival, firefighters found the aircraft engulfed in flames and emitting thick smoke. MDFR Chief Ray Jadallah described the situation as highly complex.
>
Firefighters used foam and specialized firefighting equipment to extinguish the fire. They also conducted search and rescue operations, including efforts to locate the pilot and co-pilot inside the cockpit and to assess and assist other individuals at the scene.
>
Details about the condition of the plane’s crew were not provided, and it remains unclear whether the fatalities were on the plane or on the ground. Some people were trapped in their vehicles and had to be extricated by MDFR’s technical rescue personnel.
>
Additionally, there was an active fuel leak from the aircraft, which was being managed. Commissioner Natalie Milian Orbis advised residents and motorists to avoid the area around 67th Avenue and 25th Street.
>
Officials assured the public that there was no ongoing threat to safety. Amazon confirmed the involvement of one of its planes in the crash and expressed deep condolences to the families and loved ones affected by the tragedy.
📄 POLICY WIRE WHITEPAPER PUBLISHED: PAKISTAN’S NATIONAL SECURITY POLICY PRIORITIES
>
Kelly Nantel, an Amazon spokesperson, stated, ‘We’re working closely with local authorities and officials to understand exactly what happened. Right now, our absolute priority is the safety, well-being, and care of everyone involved. We’re doing everything we can to support those affected.’
>
Nantel added, ‘We are 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. Amazon will cooperate fully with any investigation.’
>
The Air Traffic Control System Command Center, part of the Federal Aviation Administration, issued a ground stop around 2:30 p.m. ET. Two of the airport’s runways have since been reopened, according to Greg Chin, the communications director for the Miami-Dade Aviation Department.
>
The FAA confirmed that the aircraft involved was a 32-year-old Boeing 767-300, which had previously served as a passenger plane for several airlines before being converted into a cargo plane in 2015, as per Flightradar24 data.
>
Both the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board are currently investigating the cause of the crash. U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy shared a brief statement on X, warning travelers about potential delays and cancellations.
>
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
