Five people died and three others suffered critical injuries when an Amazon cargo plane crashed at Miami International Airport on Sunday afternoon. The Boeing 767 jet overran a runway shortly after 2 p.m. while arriving from San Juan, Puerto Rico, impacting several vehicles and igniting a fire.
Dispatch audio from Miami-Dade Fire Rescue crews revealed the chaotic initial response, with first responders assessing the scene and triaging victims. "We do have a patient on the ground. We're looking at surveilling the area for more patients," one responder stated, according to the audio. Later, another reported, "Be advised, we have three patients, it appears to be two black, we have two black and one red." In triage, black indicates a deceased patient, while red signifies critical, life-threatening injuries.
The aircraft continued across 67th Avenue, striking a truck. "This aircraft overran the runway and crossed 67th Avenue. It struck a truck," an emergency responder said. Initially, a call reported, "Guys, the plane's on fire, the plane's on fire, put your game faces on."
As the situation unfolded, firefighters faced challenges, including running out of water and requesting backup. Crews also performed an extrication for a person trapped under a vehicle. Ultimately, the fire was brought under control hours later, with personnel continuing to deal with a fuel leak. "The fire appears to be under control, almost out," a firefighter told dispatch.
The cargo plane came to rest near a parking lot servicing an Amazon warehouse and other businesses. Photos from the scene showed the plane largely intact behind two semitrucks. The crash sent thick black smoke billowing into the sky. The pilot and copilot were trapped in the cockpit, and some occupants in cars were also impacted. It was not immediately clear if the pilots were among the fatalities.
Data from flight tracking site Flightradar24 indicated the jet was traveling at 129 mph as it exited the usable runway amid thunderstorms and gusting winds. Automated Dependent Surveillance broadcast data showed the plane touched down at approximately 167 knots (about 192 mph) and went off the runway at over 120 mph. Miami's Automated Surface Observation System reported tailwinds of 20 to 30 knots during stormy conditions.
Investigators will examine factors including the aircraft's speed, braking, weather conditions, and the plane's mechanical status. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that Miami International Airport is not equipped with the Engineered Materials Arresting System (EMAS), a safety feature designed to stop overrunning aircraft. The FAA has previously recommended airports utilize EMAS, which has been credited with saving hundreds of lives nationwide.