Miami firefighters were seen climbing into the cockpit of an Amazon cargo jet that crashed, resulting in five fatalities. The Boeing 767 freighter, which departed from Puerto Rico shortly before 11:45 a.m. local time on Sunday, overshot the runway at Miami International Airport, striking several vehicles. Miami Dade Fire and Rescue crews arrived at the scene within 30 seconds of the dispatch call, with one firefighter heard on audio stating, "The plane is on fire!" Video footage showed the jet skidding with flames visible from its right engine before it came to a stop.
The pilot and co-pilot, whose identities have not been disclosed, were trapped inside the aircraft, according to Ray Jadallah, the Miami-Dade fire chief. At least two individuals were also trapped in vehicles that the plane struck. Three of the five injured individuals were reported to be in critical condition, and their identities have not yet been released.
Firefighters utilized a ladder to access the cockpit, and foam was deployed to extinguish the flames while crews managed a fuel leak. The left engine of the jet remained operational, posing risks for rescuers due to potential toxic gas exposure or explosion. Pilots were unable to shut down the engine as it was necessary to maintain power for communication and unlocking doors.
Prime Air Flight 7598, operated by 21Air, landed in Miami shortly before 2 p.m. on Sunday, traveling at 129 mph when it overshot runway 30, which is 9,000 feet long. The cause of the crash is under investigation, and it has been noted that Miami airport runways were not equipped with an Engineered Materials Arresting System (EMAS), which is designed to help stop overshooting aircraft. While the installation of EMAS is recommended by the Federal Aviation Administration, it is not mandatory.
Miami airport officials were not required to install the system as the airport has a runway safety area. Other airports in Florida, including Key West and Fort Lauderdale, have EMAS installed. The crash led to significant disruptions, with over 160 flights canceled and approximately 325 delayed, affecting travelers during the Labor Day weekend. Witnesses reported an unusual odor in the air following the incident, with one resident describing it as different from the smell of burning vegetation.
This crash occurred 29 years after the Fine Air Flight 101 incident, which also resulted in five fatalities shortly after takeoff from Miami airport.