A cargo plane overran a runway at Miami International Airport, struck vehicles and caught fire. Here’s what officials said about the emergency.
Miami Cargo Plane Crash Closes Airport Runways
An Amazon Air cargo plane overran a runway at Miami International Airport on Sunday afternoon, struck multiple vehicles near the airport, and caught fire.
The Boeing 767-300 was operated by 21 Air on behalf of Amazon Air. It had departed from Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico, before landing in Miami.
The incident prompted a major emergency response and temporarily closed all runways and taxiways at one of the busiest airports in the United States.
What Happened During the Landing?
According to the Federal Aviation Administration, 21 Air Flight 7598 overran the runway after landing at approximately 2 p.m. local time.
Miami International Airport said the aircraft became disabled at the northwest end of the airport’s diagonal runway. The plane also struck several vehicles near the airport.
More than 60 Miami-Dade Fire Rescue units responded to the scene. Firefighters reported heavy flames and smoke as they worked to extinguish the fire and assess people who may have been affected.
Officials had not immediately released a full account of the aircraft’s condition or confirmed the number and severity of any injuries.
Fire Crews Worked Through Heavy Smoke
Images from the scene showed the cargo aircraft surrounded by emergency vehicles with a large plume of smoke rising above the airport.
Firefighters focused on containing the fire and evaluating patients. The response involved multiple emergency agencies, although officials had not yet released a detailed list of the organizations involved.
The emergency operation also required authorities to restrict movement across the airport’s runways and taxiways.
Which Plane Was Involved?
The aircraft was a Boeing 767-300 cargo plane. Amazon identified the flight as an Amazon Air aircraft operated by 21 Air.
Amazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel said the company was working with local authorities to determine what happened. She described the situation as fast-moving and said the company’s top priority was the safety and care of everyone involved.
The flight originated in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and was scheduled to land at Miami International Airport.
Airport Operations Were Suspended
Miami International Airport announced that all runways and taxiways were closed at approximately 3 p.m. A ground stop was also put into effect.
A ground stop prevents aircraft from departing for a particular airport or destination because of safety, congestion, weather, or another operational emergency. At Miami, the measure was directly connected to the disabled aircraft and the firefighting response.
The closure was expected to cause significant delays and possible cancellations for travelers. Passengers were advised to check directly with their airlines before heading to the airport.
What Travelers Should Expect
The airport disruption could affect:
- Departing flights
- Arriving aircraft
- Connecting passengers
- Cargo operations
- Ground transportation near the airport
- Flights diverted to other airports
Even after the fire is extinguished, investigators and airport crews may need additional time to inspect the runway, remove the aircraft, and determine whether the pavement or nearby equipment was damaged.
Investigation Will Examine the Landing
The FAA will lead the federal investigation into the runway overrun, with assistance from other transportation and local authorities.
Investigators typically review several factors after an incident of this type, including:
- Weather and wind conditions
- Runway condition
- Aircraft performance
- Landing speed
- Braking and reverse-thrust systems
- Crew communications
- Air-traffic-control instructions
- Mechanical or maintenance records
Officials had not announced a cause as of Sunday evening. The early details describe what happened during the landing but do not explain why the aircraft failed to stop before reaching the end of the runway.
Officials Have Not Released a Full Injury Report
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue said crews were assessing patients at the scene. However, authorities had not immediately provided a confirmed public tally of injuries or described their severity.
The absence of an initial injury report does not indicate that no one was hurt. Emergency crews often prioritize treatment and evacuation before releasing detailed information.
Authorities may provide additional updates as the scene is secured and investigators complete their initial assessment.
What Happens Next?
The immediate priorities are extinguishing the fire, treating anyone injured, securing the aircraft, and reopening the airport safely.
The Miami cargo plane crash investigation will likely continue after the runway is cleared. Officials will examine the aircraft, collect evidence, interview witnesses, and review flight and airport records.
Passengers should expect possible delays or cancellations until Miami International Airport confirms that runways and taxiways have reopened. The final cause of the overrun—and the full impact on those involved—will depend on information released by investigators and emergency officials.
