At least five people have been killed and five others injured after an Amazon Air cargo plane overran a runway at Miami International Airport and struck several vehicles, authorities said Sunday.
The aircraft, identified as Prime Air Flight 7598, was operated by cargo carrier 21 Air. The Boeing 767-300 had arrived from San Juan, Puerto Rico, when it overran the airport's diagonal runway shortly before 2 p.m. local time.
The plane veered off the runway and collided with multiple vehicles before catching fire, sending thick black smoke into the sky. Emergency crews rushed to the scene, with more than 60 Miami-Dade Fire Rescue units responding to the crash.
Authorities said five people died and five others were taken to hospitals with injuries, including three people described as critically injured. The aircraft's pilot and co-pilot were among those trapped during the emergency response.
The crash prompted officials to close all runways and taxiways at Miami International Airport and impose a ground stop, causing significant disruption to flights. More than 250 flights were delayed as authorities responded to the incident.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are investigating the crash to determine what caused the aircraft to leave the runway. Amazon said it was working with authorities and that the safety and well-being of those affected remained its immediate priority.
The Boeing 767 had originally been built as a passenger aircraft before being converted for cargo operations in 2015, according to flight-tracking information cited by reports.
The incident is expected to result in continuing flight disruptions as airport operations return to normal and investigators examine the aircraft, runway and circumstances surrounding the crash.
Authorities have urged travelers flying through Miami to check directly with their airlines for updated flight information as delays and cancellations may continue.
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