Miami International Airport faced sudden disruption on Sunday afternoon when an Amazon Prime Air cargo plane veered off the runway and struck several vehicles. The Boeing 767-300, which had departed from San Juan, Puerto Rico, came to rest disabled at the northwest end of the facility. Fire broke out on the aircraft, drawing a large emergency response as smoke rose over the area.
Sequence of Events
The incident unfolded around 2:30 p.m. ET. Miami-Dade Aviation Department confirmed the plane overran the airport’s diagonal runway before colliding with vehicles along the 2100 block of Northwest 42nd Avenue. Firefighters from Miami-Dade Fire Rescue quickly arrived to battle the flames, deploying more than 60 units to the scene. The plane remained at the northwest perimeter while authorities secured the immediate vicinity. Residents and drivers were advised to steer clear of the intersection near 67th Avenue and 25th Street. Officials noted that the aircraft was operated by 21 Air on behalf of Amazon. No official cause has been released, and investigators have not yet determined what led to the overrun.
Emergency Response and Reported Injuries
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue confirmed multiple patients at the scene, though the exact number of injuries remains unclear. First responders focused first on extinguishing the fire and stabilizing the aircraft. The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office also joined the coordinated effort to manage traffic and maintain safety around the disabled plane. The scale of the response reflected the seriousness of the situation at one of the nation’s busiest airports. Crews worked methodically to clear hazards and assess damage to both the aircraft and the struck vehicles. Updates from the scene continued to evolve as daylight faded.
Impact on Airport Operations
A full ground stop was issued shortly after the incident, halting domestic arrivals and departures across much of the country. One of the airport’s four runways was later reopened, easing some pressure on the system. Travelers were warned to expect significant delays and possible cancellations as operations returned to normal. The Federal Aviation Administration took charge of the investigation and dispatched inspectors to examine the Boeing 767. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy posted a brief advisory on social media urging patience from passengers. The ground stop highlighted how quickly a single runway incident can ripple through the national air network.
Amazon’s Initial Statement
Amazon confirmed the involvement of its Prime Air flight and expressed concern for those affected. Spokesperson Kelly Nantel stated that the company was working closely with local authorities to gather details and prioritize the safety and care of everyone involved. The statement emphasized that information was still being collected in the fast-moving situation. Officials stressed that the focus remains on supporting those impacted while the investigation proceeds. No further details on the condition of the crew or any passengers have been released at this time. The event serves as a reminder of the complex coordination required when commercial aviation meets unexpected ground emergencies. Investigators will now work to piece together the sequence that led to the overrun, with findings expected in the weeks ahead.
AI Disclaimer: This article was created with the assistance of AI tools and reviewed by a human editor.