Investigators have begun examining the circumstances surrounding a deadly cargo plane crash at Miami International Airport in the United States after an Amazon-operated aircraft overshot the runway shortly after landing.
Five people were killed and five others seriously injured when the Boeing 767-300, operated by North Carolina-based charter company 21 Air, crashed shortly before 2pm local time on Sunday.
The aircraft crossed a road beyond the runway and struck several vehicles on the ground before coming to a stop near a car park serving an Amazon warehouse and other businesses.
Authorities have not yet established whether those killed were aboard the aircraft or were on the ground when the crash occurred.
Members of the National Transportation Safety Board, the US federal agency responsible for investigating the incident, arrived at the crash site and are expected to brief journalists on Monday.
Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava confirmed the casualties, saying, “At least five people have lost their lives, and five others are injured.”
She said emergency responders reached the scene within “seconds” of the crash.
Miami Fire Chief Raied Jadallah said three of the five injured people were in critical condition. Some victims were reportedly trapped inside or underneath vehicles and had to be rescued by firefighters.
More than 200 firefighters responded after the aircraft caught fire.
Aviation experts said investigators would likely study footage of the landing to determine whether the plane touched down within the designated landing area and what happened after it reached the runway.
Flight-tracking data from FlightRadar24 showed the aircraft travelling at about 112 knots, equivalent to 129mph or 207km/h, as it left the usable section of the runway.
The tracking service also reported light thunderstorms and gusty winds in Miami around the time of the crash.
The Federal Aviation Administration temporarily halted all flights at Miami International Airport following the incident, causing widespread delays and cancellations during one of the busiest travel periods in the United States.
Amazon’s Director of Corporate Global Media Relations, Kelly Nantel, said, “We’re heartbroken to learn that five people lost their lives in today’s incident at Miami International Airport.
“Our deepest sympathies go out to the families, loved ones, and all those affected by this devastating loss.
“The airplane, which was operated by 21 Air, was attempting to land when this incident occurred. We’re working closely with local authorities and officials to learn more and will co-operate fully with any investigation.”
21 Air CEO Keith Winters also expressed condolences, saying, “Our deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives.
“Our immediate priorities are supporting those affected, assisting the authorities, and ensuring that accurate information is communicated as it becomes available.”
The company said it was “devastated by the accident involving one of our aircraft in Miami”, while both 21 Air and Amazon confirmed they were cooperating with investigators.
The aircraft had departed Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico, before heading for Miami.
The crash disrupted operations at Miami International Airport, with passengers reporting long queues as they sought alternative flights after cancellations and delays.
One traveller, Faroush, said, “The earliest I could find to fly to San Francisco was Tuesday morning,” adding, “I’ll probably have to find a hotel and spend more time in Miami.”
The incident occurred over the US Labor Day weekend, traditionally one of the country’s busiest travel periods.
The Transportation Security Administration had forecast that about 17 million people would pass through US airports during the week leading up to the holiday, including an estimated 2.3 million travellers on Sunday alone.
Miami International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the United States and a major gateway for international freight and passengers, particularly between the US, Latin America and the Caribbean.
The investigation is expected to examine the aircraft’s approach, landing position, weather conditions and events leading up to the runway overrun.
