A jumbo Amazon cargo jet overran the runway at Miami International Airport, killing at least five as it billowed smoke and barreled through vehicles on a nearby roadway, according to local officials and terrifying footage.
The wreck happened just before 2 p.m. Sunday as Prime Air flight 7598 – a Boeing 767 operated by 21 Air — was landing from Puerto Rico, and careened off the runway before plowing into “multiple vehicles” and bursting into flames, officials said.
Five people were confirmed dead and another five were injured — including three in critical condition — following the shocking crash, Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava said, according to NBC 6 South Florida.
It remains unclear how the fatalities and injuries were spread between the plane’s crew and people struck by the wreck.
But the plane’s two pilots appeared to have been among the injured, as they were reportedly taken to a nearby hospital along with the other three wounded, NBC 6 reported.
Footage from the terrifying crash showed the huge jet lurched on its side as fires raged and huge plumes of black smoke filled the sky, while passersby looked on in horror.
“Oh my God!” people were heard as the wreck burned in one clip, while others captured officials waving people away and emergency responders descending on the fiery scene.
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue confirmed the plane struck “multiple vehicles” in the wreck, and that 60 units had been dispatched along with personnel who were “assessing patients” on the scene.
“Units arrived to find an airplane that had caught on fire as a result of this crash, with heavy flames and smoke showing,” the agency said in a statement.
Despite the devastating wreck, the plane appeared largely intact where it lay on the road. Several semis were seen stopped on the roadway nearby, but it remains unclear if they were struck.
A ground stop was immediately ordered across the airport after the wreck. Airport officials closed all runways as the response continued.
Just two runways had been reopened after more than three hours.
“We’re heartbroken to learn that five people lost their lives in today’s incident at Miami International Airport,” an Amazon spokesperson said in a statement. “Our deepest sympathies go out to the families, loved ones, and all those affected by this devastating loss.”
Cava also issued a statement sending condolences to the victims’ families.
“I am grateful to our Miami-Dade Fire Rescue teams and all the first responders who rushed to the scene,” the mayor said. “Our community stands together tonight with all those impacted as we continue to learn more.”
The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the crash.
