Federal investigators are working to uncover the causes behind a deadly incident involving an Amazon cargo plane at Miami International Airport. The crash occurred on Sunday afternoon, drawing attention and concern from the local community.

Eyewitness Grace Mercado recounted her experience from that startling day. She said she was in a vehicle with her partner when he reacted to a loud noise. ‘We hear a noise,’ she recalled. ‘And he says, “Oh my goodness. Is that a plane crash?”‘ When Mercado looked up from her phone, she saw the Amazon cargo plane had overshot the runway and halted only after crossing a Miami-Dade street, stopping amidst flames and smoke.

Describing the sound, Mercado stated, ‘It was extremely loud. It wasn’t anything that I’ve ever heard before. It was like a shake. Honestly, I can’t compare it to anything else.’ She was disoriented and found the scene reminiscent of a movie. ‘The plane was up in smoke,’ she noted. ‘It was just surreal.’

Initially, no first responders were visible, but they arrived swiftly. Mercado observed, ‘There weren’t any ambulances or anything, but they ended up there in under a minute. It was absolutely insane.’

Our hearts are with the victims and their families following Sunday’s tragic cargo plane crash. – Miami-Dade Fire Rescue

More than 60 units and approximately 200 personnel from Miami-Dade Fire Rescue responded promptly. Tragically, the crash resulted in five fatalities and five injuries. The rapid response highlighted the efficiency and dedication of the rescue teams.

Mercado did not witness any movement near the wreckage but noticed extensive smoke. She remarked, ‘It’s something you don’t see in real life. So, it’s surreal.’

Officials from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are working together to determine why the aircraft left the runway. The identities of the victims have not been disclosed.