Five people were killed and five others injured when an Amazon cargo aircraft veered off the runway at Miami International Airport on Thursday afternoon, officials confirmed. Three of the injured remain in critical condition.
The Boeing 767-300 freighter, operated by 21 Air on behalf of Amazon, was attempting to land when it slid beyond the runway, collided with several vehicles on the ground, and caught fire. Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava confirmed the casualties during a press briefing, stating that authorities are now focused on supporting the families of victims and treating the wounded.
Emergency responders transported the injured to area hospitals, with some requiring extraction from vehicles trapped beneath the aircraft. The flight had originated from Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in Puerto Rico and crashed around 2:00 p.m. local time. Flight data indicates the aircraft was traveling at approximately 207 kilometers per hour when it departed the usable runway surface. Weather conditions at the time included light thunderstorms and strong winds in the area.
Amazon issued a statement expressing condolences following the tragedy. "We are heartbroken to learn that five people lost their lives in today's incident at Miami International Airport," said Kelly Nantel, Amazon's global public relations manager. "Our deepest sympathies go out to the families, loved ones, and all those affected by this devastating loss."
Nantel added that the aircraft, operated by 21 Air, was attempting to land when the incident occurred. The company said it is working closely with local authorities and official agencies to learn more and will cooperate fully with any investigation. Amazon emphasized it is providing complete assistance to all agencies working at the scene.
More than 200 firefighters responded to extinguish the blaze, though jet fuel continues to leak at the site. The Federal Aviation Administration ordered a ground stop at the airport following the accident, which occurred during the peak travel period of Labor Day weekend. The National Transportation Safety Board has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
