An Amazon cargo plane crash at Miami International Airport killed at least five people on Sunday after the aircraft overshot a runway, hit vehicles and caught fire. Three others were taken to trauma centres in critical condition, while two more received hospital treatment.
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The aircraft was operating as Prime Air Flight 7598. It was a Boeing 767-300 cargo plane flying from San Juan, Puerto Rico, to Miami. The plane arrived at about 1:58pm local time.
Plane Hits Vehicles And Catches Fire
Miami-Dade County Fire Chief Ray Jadallah said the aircraft struck several vehicles after leaving the runway. Some victims became trapped inside the vehicles.
Rescue teams also had to search the aircraft for the pilot and co-pilot, who were trapped inside. Officials did not immediately confirm whether either crew member survived.
Around 60 fire apparatus and nearly 200 firefighters and rescue workers responded to the scene. Firefighters used foam to control the fire in the engine area.
Fuel Leak Brought Under Control
Specialised rescue teams freed one person trapped under one of the vehicles. HazMat units also secured the aircraft’s engine and worked to control a fuel leak.
The Amazon cargo plane crash caused major disruption at Miami International Airport. Officials initially closed all runways and taxiways following the incident.
Two of the airport’s four runways later reopened, according to the Miami Herald. Passengers were advised to check with their airlines before travelling to the airport because of delays and cancellations.
Investigation Into Crash Underway
The National Transportation Safety Board said it had launched a team to investigate the runway excursion. The Federal Aviation Administration will also be involved in determining what caused the accident.
Amazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel said the company would cooperate with the investigation. She also expressed sympathy to the families of those who died.
Miami Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz described the scene as tragic. Authorities said there was no apparent threat to public safety.
The exact cause of the Amazon cargo plane crash remains unknown. Investigators are expected to examine the aircraft, runway conditions and other factors as they work to establish what happened.
