Amazon Cargo Plane Overshoots Runway in Miami, Killing Five

(Bloomberg) -- An Amazon.com Inc. cargo plane overran a runway at Miami International Airport and burst into flames on Sunday, killing at least five people and shutting down the airport's runways.

The Boeing 767-300, operated by 21 Air as Prime Air Flight 7598, overshot the runway around 2 p.m. after arriving from Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.

The plane slammed into multiple vehicles near the airport, trapping some people inside, according to Miami-Dade Fire Rescue, which reported heavy flames and smoke when it responded to the incident.

Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava said at a news conference that, along with the five people who were killed, another five were injured, three of whom were in critical condition.

"We'll continue to update you as soon as information is confirmed, and tonight our entire community is joined in prayers and grieving for those who are affected," she said.

"Prime Air Flight 7598 overran Miami International Airport's diagonal runway and is disabled at the northwest end of the airport," Indira Almeida-Pardillo, a spokesperson for Miami International Airport, said in a statement. She said all runways and taxiways were closed as of 3 p.m. and a ground stop was in effect. Several hours later, at least two of the runways had reopened, another airport spokesperson, Greg Chin, said.

There was "a very complex fire," Ray Jadallah, the Miami-Dade Fire Rescue chief, said at a news conference, and the engine compartments were on fire through the "search and rescue of the pilot and co-pilot that were trapped in this aircraft."

A total of 60 fire units responded to the scene. "They arrived within 30 seconds after getting a call," he added. "We do still have an active fuel leak that's occurring off of the aircraft that is being mitigated as we speak."

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned of significant delays and possible cancellations in a post on X.

21 Air, a Miami-based cargo airline, began operating Boeing 767-300 freighters on behalf of Amazon in 2024. Representatives for 21 Air didn't immediately respond to requests for comment.