Amazon has suspended its operations with 21 Air, the cargo carrier involved in a fatal plane crash at Miami International Airport earlier this month. The decision comes as the e-commerce giant conducts a review of the circumstances surrounding the incident.
"After the tragic incident last weekend, we've spent time supporting the investigation and reviewing some of the surrounding circumstances, and we've decided to pause our operations with 21 Air," an Amazon spokesperson said.
The Boeing 767-300 cargo plane, operated by 21 Air, overshot a runway at Miami International Airport on September 6, crashing into vehicles and resulting in the deaths of five people. The aircraft had departed from Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the investigation into the crash. NTSB chairwoman Jennifer Homendy described the crash site as a scene of "utter devastation."
Miami authorities identified the deceased as Rolando Aleman Leon, 55; Yoel Rodriguez Naranjo, 53; Julio C Pineda, 75; Carlos Acosta Fajardo, 53; and Javierkys Reyes Quevedo, 47. Five other individuals sustained injuries.
Investigators have recovered the flight recorders from the aircraft to analyze the conditions that preceded the crash. 21 Air, an all-cargo carrier, operates flights for major companies including Amazon and DHL. The company has stated it is cooperating with authorities and was "devastated by the accident."
Amazon reiterated that safety is its highest priority, both in its own operations and when working with partners. The company stated it will continue to support the investigation and those affected by the incident.