An Amazon Air cargo plane overshot the runway while attempting to land at Miami International Airport on Sunday, resulting in five deaths and five serious injuries. The Boeing 767-300 freighter, operated by North Carolina-based carrier 21 Air, crashed shortly before 14:00 local time (19:00 GMT) after departing from San Juan, Puerto Rico.
The aircraft struck several ground vehicles before coming to rest at the northwest end of the airport’s diagonal runway. Miami Fire Chief Raied Jadallah reported that rescue crews arrived within seconds of the impact, but several victims were trapped inside or beneath cars and required extrication. Three of the injured are currently in critical condition, while the others are being treated for unknown injuries.
Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava confirmed the fatalities and injuries at a news conference on Sunday evening. She stated that the primary focus remains on supporting the victims’ families and managing the ongoing emergency response. Over 200 firefighters responded to the scene, extinguishing heavy flames and smoke, though a fuel leak persists at the crash site.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grounded all flights as authorities investigated the incident. Officials indicated it is too early to determine the cause, and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) plans to hold a press conference on Monday to outline the investigation.
Flight data from FlightRadar24 shows the plane was traveling at 112 knots (129 mph) when it exited the usable runway. The airport noted that light thunderstorms and gusting winds were present in Miami at the time. The crash site is located near a parking lot servicing an Amazon warehouse and adjacent businesses.
Amazon released a statement expressing heartbreak over the loss of life and offering condolences to the victims’ loved ones. Kelly Nantel, Amazon’s Director of Corporate Global Media Relations, said the company is working closely with local authorities and will fully cooperate with any official investigation. The BBC reached out to 21 Air for comment but had not received a response at the time of publication.
The incident occurred during Labor Day weekend, one of the busiest travel periods of the year in the United States. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) estimated that 17 million travelers would pass through US airports in the week leading up to the holiday, with 2.3 million expected to fly on Sunday alone. Many passengers at Miami International Airport reported frustration over a lack of information, as numerous flights were canceled or delayed, forcing some to extend their stays.
Miami International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the country and serves as a key hub for travel to Latin America and the Caribbean. Approximately 60% of international visitors to Florida arrive through this facility.
Gusting winds during landing are no joke. Weather must have played a major role given the stormy conditions reported.
Is it weird that no one was on board, yet five people died? The ground crew really paid the ultimate price here.
Absolutely heartbreaking. Five lives lost is unthinkable. My thoughts are with everyone affected by this terrible accident.