A Boeing 767 cargo jet flying for Amazon Prime Air overran Runway 30 at Miami International Airport Sunday afternoon, crossed a perimeter road, struck multiple vehicles, and burst into flames — killing at least five people on the ground and injuring five others, including both pilots.
Harrowing video circulating online shows the Prime Air-liveried freighter sliding at high speed through a parking area near warehouse operations, with smoke and fire billowing as bystanders look on. Miami-Dade officials said the plane left the pavement around 2 p.m. after arriving from San Juan, Puerto Rico. Flight-tracking data indicated it was still traveling about 112 knots, roughly 129 mph, as it exited the usable runway.
The 32-year-old converted freighter, registered N1997A and operated by 21 Air as Flight 7598, came to rest on its belly near parked cars and trucks outside the airport boundary. Fire crews described a “very complex fire” in the engine compartments and an active fuel leak hours later. More than 60 Miami-Dade Fire Rescue units and about 200 personnel responded.
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Chief Raied “Ray” Jadallah said crews found people trapped in crushed vehicles and had to extract the two pilots from the cockpit. Three of the injured were in critical condition and taken to a trauma center; two others were hospitalized with less severe injuries. Officials have not publicly named the dead. Both crew members survived.
“Units arrived to find an airplane that had caught on fire as a result of this crash, with heavy flames and smoke showing,” Miami-Dade Fire Rescue said. Firefighters used airport foam units to knock down the blaze.
The National Transportation Safety Board launched a go-team. The FAA said it will investigate. Pilots did not declare an emergency on approach, according to air-traffic-control audio reviewed by outlets. Thunderstorms and gusty winds were in the area at the time; investigators have not determined a cause. Runway 30 is more than 9,000 feet long. An FAA spokeswoman said Miami’s runways are not equipped with an Engineered Materials Arresting System, or EMAS.
Amazon said it was “heartbroken” and cooperating with authorities. “Our absolute priority is the safety, well-being, and care of everyone involved,” a company spokesperson said. 21 Air also expressed condolences.
A full ground stop shut down Miami International during a busy holiday-weekend travel period. Hundreds of flights were delayed or canceled before some runways reopened later Sunday. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned travelers to expect disruptions into Monday.
Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava said the community was “joined in prayers and grieving.” First responders ran into smoke and fire to pull people from vehicles and the cockpit. The NTSB is scheduled to brief the public as the investigation begins.
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