At least five people have been killed after an Amazon cargo plane overshot a runway at Miami International Airport, crashed into several vehicles and caught fire on Sunday, officials said.
Miami-Dade County Fire Chief Ray Jadallah said three people were taken to trauma centres in critical condition, while two others were treated at a local hospital.
Jadallah said the Boeing 767, operating as Prime Air Flight 7598, struck several vehicles after landing at about 1:58pm local time following a flight from San Juan, Puerto Rico.
“The airplane did strike a couple of vehicles,” Jadallah said, adding that several victims became trapped inside the vehicles.
Emergency crews carried out a complex rescue operation involving specialised technical rescue teams, including efforts to reach the pilot and co-pilot, who were trapped inside the aircraft.
Thick smoke was seen billowing from the blue and white aircraft as fire crews rushed to the scene.
A total of 60 fire apparatuses and nearly 200 Miami-Dade Fire Rescue personnel responded to the crash.
Fire officials said foam was used to extinguish a fire in the engine compartment. A person trapped underneath one of the vehicles was also rescued by specialised technical rescue personnel.
Hazardous materials teams shut down the aircraft’s engine and worked to contain a fuel leak.
The cause of the crash has not yet been established. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will lead the investigation.
The NTSB said it had launched a team to investigate the runway excursion involving the B-767-300 cargo aircraft.
Amazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel expressed condolences to the victims’ families and said the company would cooperate with investigators.
“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,” Nantel said.
Miami Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz described the scene as “really tragic” but said there was no apparent threat to public safety.
The airport temporarily closed all runways and taxiways following the crash, causing significant delays and cancellations.
Two of the airport’s four runways had reopened by Sunday evening, according to the Miami Herald, while travellers were advised to check with their airlines before heading to the airport.
Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava thanked first responders for their rapid response, saying fire rescue crews arrived within seconds of the crash.