Five dead as Amazon cargo jet crashes at Miami airport

An Amazon cargo plane crashed at Miami International Airport on Sunday, killing five people and seriously injuring five others after the Boeing 767-300 overshot the runway while attempting to land, according to officials. The aircraft, operated by North Carolina-based charter company 21 Air, departed from Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and crashed just before 14:00 local time (18:00 GMT), crossing a road beyond the runway and striking several vehicles on the ground.

Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava confirmed the death toll at a news conference on Sunday evening, adding that rescue crews arrived at the scene within "seconds" of the crash. Miami Fire Chief Raied Jadallah said three of the five injured were in critical condition, with several victims trapped inside or under vehicles and requiring extrication. Over 200 firefighters responded after the aircraft burst into flames. It remains unclear whether those who died were on the plane, on the ground, or both.

The National Transportation Safety Board has launched an investigation into the crash, with a news conference scheduled for Monday. Experts told the Associated Press that video footage of the landing would present investigators with key questions about whether the aircraft touched down within its designated zone on the runway. Flight data from FlightRadar24 showed the plane was travelling at 112 knots (129mph) as it exited the "useable runway," coming to rest near a car park serving an Amazon warehouse. There were light thunderstorms and gusting winds in Miami at the time of the incident.

21 Air and Amazon both expressed devastation over the accident and confirmed they were cooperating with authorities. "We're heartbroken to learn that five people lost their lives," said Kelly Nantel, Amazon's Director of Corporate Global Media Relations. "Our deepest sympathies go out to the families, loved ones, and all those affected by this devastating loss." The crash occurred over the Labor Day weekend, one of the busiest travel periods of the year, with the TSA predicting 2.3 million passengers would fly on Sunday alone. All flights at the airport were temporarily grounded, causing long queues and frustration among travellers as many flights were cancelled or delayed. One passenger told the BBC he would be forced to stay in Miami an extra night, unable to find a flight to San Francisco until Tuesday morning. Witnesses described a black cloud and an acrid stench at the scene, with one student pilot telling the New York Times that vehicles struck by the plane "were mangled." Miami International, which handles more flights to Latin America and the Caribbean than any other US airport, is America's busiest for international freight, making the disruption particularly significant.