At Least 5 Dead After Amazon Cargo Plane Crash in Miami

Five people died on Sunday when an Amazon Air cargo plane overshot a runway and hit several vehicles at Miami International Airport (MIA). Here is the latest on the crash and the investigation.

Amazon Air Cargo Plane Crash Claims Five Lives

The Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office confirmed that at least five people are dead after a cargo plane overran a runway when landing at MIA. The Boeing 767-300 was attempting to land shortly before 2 pm EDT on Sunday when it skidded off the runway and hit several vehicles before catching fire.

Flight 7598 from San Juan, Puerto Rico, was operated by cargo carrier 21 Air. The plane finally came to a stop beyond MIA's operational boundary. Data from Flightradar24 indicated that the plane was traveling at a speed of 130 mph when it reached the end of the runway.

Authorities have confirmed that the fatalities happened on the ground.  The five victims, ranging in age between 32 and 79, were in a Ford Econoline vehicle that was struck by the plane. Two more people are hospitalized in serious condition.

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue deployed more than 60 units and about 200 personnel to the scene of the crash. Search and rescue crews were able to locate the victims after firefighters used a specialized foam to extinguish the flames. Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Chief Raied “Ray” Jadallah confirmed that the pilot and co-pilot were rescued after being trapped in the cockpit.

Hazardous materials crews were also deployed to the scene to contain the ongoing fuel leak. The public was urged to avoid the airport.