An Amazon Prime Air cargo aircraft overran a runway while landing at Miami International Airport on Sunday, September 6, striking several vehicles and catching fire. At least five people were killed and five others were injured in the accident.
The Boeing 767-300 freighter, operating as Prime Air Flight 7598, was arriving from San Juan, Puerto Rico, when it overran one of Miami International Airport’s runways at around 2 p.m. local time.
The aircraft was operated by cargo carrier 21 Air on behalf of Amazon.
After leaving the runway, the plane crossed beyond the airport’s operational boundary and struck several vehicles near a roadway. Images from the scene showed damaged and overturned vehicles close to the aircraft, while smoke and flames were visible following the crash.
Miami-Dade officials confirmed that at least five people were killed. Five others were taken to hospital, including three people in critical condition.
Emergency crews faced a complex rescue operation, with the aircraft’s pilot and co-pilot initially trapped inside the cockpit and several people trapped in or around vehicles hit by the plane. More than 60 Miami-Dade Fire Rescue units and approximately 200 emergency personnel responded to the accident.
Firefighters used specialized airport firefighting equipment and foam to extinguish the blaze. Crews also worked to contain a fuel leak from the aircraft.
Flights disrupted at Miami International Airport
The accident caused major disruption at Miami International Airport, with authorities initially closing all runways and imposing a ground stop while emergency teams responded.
Hundreds of flights were affected by cancellations and delays during the afternoon. Airport operations subsequently began to resume, although passengers were warned to expect continued disruption.
The Federal Aviation Administration said it had launched an investigation, while the National Transportation Safety Board dispatched a team to Miami to determine the cause of the accident.
Investigators are expected to examine the aircraft’s approach and landing, including its touchdown point, speed, braking performance, weather conditions and mechanical condition.
Video footage of the landing has raised questions over whether the aircraft touched down too far along the runway to stop safely, although investigators have not yet determined the cause of the accident.
The aircraft involved was a 32-year-old Boeing 767-300 that had originally operated as a passenger aircraft before being converted for cargo operations.
Amazon said it was working with authorities and would cooperate fully with the investigation.
The company expressed its condolences to the families and loved ones of those killed in the accident and said its priority was supporting those affected.
