When a Boeing 767‑300 cargo aircraft failed to stop on Miami International Airport’s diagonal runway, the result was a dark blaze and a fatal loss of life.

Crash Overview

According to airport officials, the Amazon Air flight departed for San Juan, Puerto Rico, before the jet overshot the runway and crashed into a vehicle‑parking lot. Five people were killed and five others sustained serious injuries, with three of the injured in critical condition.

Emergency Response

Fire and rescue crews rushed to the scene, extinguishing flames while dealing with a fuel leak. Miami‑Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava stated that crews arrived in “seconds” and the focus was on families and patients. Fire Chief Raied Jadallah reported that several wounded were trapped under vehicles and required extrication.

Regulatory Actions

The Federal Aviation Administration immediately grounded all flights while the National Transportation Safety Board opened an investigation. Amazon issued a statement expressing deep sorrow and pledge of full cooperation with investigators.

Flight Details

Flight data from FlightRadar24 revealed the cargo plane was traveling at 112 knots (129 mph) as it exited the usable runway. Light thunderstorms and gusty winds may have contributed to the event.

Impact on Travel

The crash occurred during a peak travel period, just before Labor Day, a weekend that historically sees 17 million travelers at U.S. airports.

Images

Damaged Boeing 767-300 at Miami International Airport

Photo by Getty Images showing the damaged cargo plane after the crash.