At least five individuals were killed, and five more suffered injuries when an Amazon cargo plane overran a runway at Miami International Airport on Sunday. The incident prompted a ground stop of around three hours as emergency personnel addressed the situation.

Details of the Accident

The Prime Air plane operated by North Carolina-based 21 Air overran a runway and came to rest in a nearby field. This occurred near the 2100 block of Northwest 42nd Avenue, where it struck several vehicles. More than 60 units from Miami-Dade Fire Rescue responded to the scene.

Fire officials noted that upon arrival, the plane was on fire, emitting heavy smoke. Specialized airport firefighting units were deployed to control the flames, and search and rescue operations were conducted. This included efforts to rescue the pilot and co-pilot from the cockpit.

Investigations and Statements

Both the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the crash. Keith Winters, CEO of 21 Air, expressed devastation over the event. He emphasized their commitment to supporting affected families and working with authorities.

Amazon confirmed its involvement in the accident. An Amazon spokesperson stated that the priority is the safety and care of those impacted. The company is collaborating with investigations to understand the incident fully.

Impact on Miami International Airport

The crash led to a ground stop issued by the FAA’s Air Traffic Control System Command Center around 2:30 p.m. ET. Two runways have since reopened, though flight delays averaging six and a half hours continued into Sunday night.

The aircraft involved was a 32-year-old Boeing 767-300, initially operating as a passenger plane before being converted to a cargo plane in 2015. The plane had departed from San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Response and Ongoing Safety Concerns

Emergency crews addressed a reported fuel leak at the crash site. Residents and drivers were advised to avoid the surrounding area, though officials stated no further public safety threats.

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Sean Duffy alerted travelers to potential delays and cancellations resulting from the incident.