The short version
- An Amazon cargo flight from Puerto Rico overshot the runway at Miami International Airport, causing significant damage and fire.
- Emergency responders deployed over 60 units to extinguish flames and assess injuries, while airport operations were completely suspended.
- The Federal Aviation Authority has confirmed the crash and announced an investigation into the incident.
An Amazon cargo plane crashed at Miami International Airport on Sunday afternoon, bringing operations at one of the United States' busiest aviation hubs to a sudden halt. The Boeing 767-300 aircraft, operating as Flight 7598 for Amazon Prime Air, overshot the runway after landing from Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico. According to the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA), the incident occurred around 2 p.m. local time on September 6.
Videos posted online show heavy plumes of dark smoke billowing into the sky as the aircraft erupted in flames. The plane struck several vehicles near the airport before coming to rest disabled at the north-west end of the facility, having overrun the diagonal runway. While unconfirmed reports suggested potential casualties, details regarding injuries or fatalities remained unclear as emergency crews worked on the scene.
The Federal Aviation Authority confirmed the crash in a statement, noting that the agency would investigate the circumstances surrounding the overrun. The FAA emphasized that the aircraft had departed from Puerto Rico earlier in the day before the incident occurred at the Florida hub. The confirmation came as authorities scrambled to manage the immediate aftermath of the high-profile crash.
Miami International Airport issued an air and ground stop, preventing all other flights from landing or taking off. A spokesperson for the airport stated that all runways and taxiways were closed as of 3 p.m., effectively grounding traffic at the busy south Florida hub. The closure has caused significant disruptions for travelers, with US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warning on social media that people in the area should expect major delays and potential cancellations.
Emergency response efforts were substantial, with more than 60 units from Miami-Dade Fire Rescue arriving on the scene. Firefighters reported finding an airplane engulfed in heavy flames and smoke upon arrival. Crews worked to extinguish the fire while simultaneously assessing patients. The fire department noted that the plane had struck multiple vehicles near the airport perimeter during the overrun.
The incident also impacted local traffic infrastructure. The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office announced street closures due to the crash, specifically noting that NW 67th Avenue between NW 25th Street and NW 36th Street was closed. Residents and commuters were advised to seek alternate routes to avoid delays caused by the emergency response operations.
As of Sunday evening, investigators from the FAA and potentially the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are expected to examine the wreckage and review flight data to determine the cause of the overrun. The Guardian reached out to Amazon and the NTSB for comment regarding the incident. The exact number of injuries and the extent of damage to airport infrastructure remain under assessment as cleanup operations continue.
This event marks a significant disruption in aviation safety protocols, drawing attention to runway safety measures at major international airports. The FAA's investigation will likely focus on factors such as weather conditions, aircraft performance, and pilot decision-making during the landing sequence. Until further notice, travelers through Miami International Airport face uncertain schedules due to the ongoing ground stop.
The crash highlights the risks associated with high-volume cargo operations at congested airports. While Amazon Prime Air has expanded its logistics network significantly, incidents such as this underscore the critical importance of adherence to safety standards. The resolution of the immediate emergency will be followed by a detailed inquiry into how the aircraft failed to stop within the designated runway length.
Local authorities continue to coordinate with federal agencies to restore normal operations at Miami International Airport. The timeline for reopening runways depends on the speed of fire suppression, debris removal, and structural assessments of the affected areas. For now, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of responders and determining the full scope of the incident's impact.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- The Guardian US↗Amazon cargo plane crashes at Miami airport and hits several vehicles
- NPR↗'Multiple patients' after Amazon cargo plane crashes at Miami airport
- NBC 6 South Florida↗Video appears to show crashed Amazon plane outside MIA
