Five Dead After Amazon Cargo Plane Overshoots Runway at Miami International Airport

An investigation is underway after an Amazon cargo plane overshot a diagonal runway while landing at Miami International Airport on Sunday afternoon, crashing through a perimeter road, hitting several ground vehicles, and leaving at least five people dead and five others injured.

The aircraft, a 32-year-old Boeing 767-300 freighter operated for Amazon Prime Air by North Carolina-based charter carrier 21 Air, was arriving from San Juan, Puerto Rico, when the incident occurred shortly before 2:00 p.m. EDT.

The freighter exited the usable runway at approximately 112 knots (129 mph) amidst light thunderstorms and gusty winds, crossing beyond the airfield boundary where it collided with multiple vehicles and burst into flames, ultimately coming to rest near a parking lot serving an Amazon warehouse and surrounding businesses.

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue deployed over 200 firefighters and 60 rescue units to combat the fire, extricate trapped individuals from crushed vehicles, and contain an active jet fuel leak.

Confirming the casualties at a news conference, Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava stated: “At least five people have lost their lives, and five others are injured.”

Miami-Dade Fire Chief Ray Jadallah said that the emergency crews extricated individuals trapped in and under ground vehicles, as well as the pilot and co-pilot from inside the cockpit. Among the five injured individuals, three remain in critical condition. Authorities have not yet publicly identified any of the deceased or confirmed whether the victims were aboard the aircraft, on the ground, or both.

The crash occurred during the high-volume Labor Day holiday travel weekend, prompting the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to issue an immediate ground stop that temporarily halted all flights at the airport. While limited runway operations resumed by Sunday evening, over 250 flights suffered delays and cancellations, stranding travelers across long terminal queues.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy posted on X regarding the initial response:

"We've issued a full ground stop at Miami International while first responders assess the scene after an Amazon cargo plane overran the runway. If you're traveling through the area, please expect significant delays and potential cancellations."

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) dispatched a specialized team led by Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy to determine the cause. Investigators plan to evaluate weather conditions, runway landing zones, and FlightRadar24 tracking data to establish why the aircraft failed to stop.

Both Amazon and charter operator 21 Air have expressed their condolences and pledged full cooperation with federal investigators.

Amazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel issued a statement addressing the tragedy:

"We're heartbroken to learn that five people lost their lives in today's incident at Miami International Airport.Our deepest sympathies go out to the families, loved ones, and all those affected by this devastating loss."

"The airplane, which was operated by 21 Air, was attempting to land when this incident occurred. We're working closely with local authorities and officials to learn more and will co-operate fully with any investigation."

"This is a fast-moving situation and we're still gathering details. We're working closely with local authorities and officials to understand exactly what happened. Right now, our absolute priority is the safety, well-being, and care of everyone involved. We're doing everything we can to support those affected."

21 Air CEO Keith Winters released a statement confirming their commitment to the process:

"We are devastated by the accident involving one of our aircraft in Miami today. Our deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives."

"Our immediate priorities are supporting those affected, assisting the authorities, and ensuring that accurate information is communicated as it becomes available."

Aircraft manufacturer Boeing also pledged support for the NTSB investigation:

"Boeing extends our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in the accident in Miami."

"Our hearts go out to those injured and affected by this tragedy. Boeing is supporting the investigation led by the US National Transportation Safety Board."

The NTSB is scheduled to hold its initial media briefing in Miami on Monday to provide updates on the investigation.