Miami: An Amazon Air cargo plane has crashed while attempting to land at Miami International Airport, leaving five people dead and five others seriously injured.
The Boeing 767-300, operated by North Carolina-based charter company 21 Air, crashed shortly before 14:00 local time on September 6 after departing from Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
The aircraft overshot the airport’s diagonal runway and struck several vehicles on the ground before coming to a stop near a parking area serving an Amazon warehouse and other businesses.
As recovery and investigation efforts continue after the cargo plane crash at Miami International Airport, our hearts are with the families and loved ones of those who died today.
We are also thinking of everyone who was injured and those who witnessed this terrifying situation.… pic.twitter.com/8Iwb7fKKB8
— Daniella Levine Cava (@MayorDaniella) September 7, 2026
Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava confirmed that five people had died and five others were injured. Miami Fire Chief Raied Jadallah stated that three of those injured were in critical condition, while emergency crews had to rescue several people who became trapped inside or beneath vehicles.
More than 200 firefighters responded to the scene after the aircraft caught fire, with heavy flames and smoke reported following the crash. Fire crews managed to extinguish the blaze, although a fuel leak remained at the site.
Flights were grounded
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grounded flights following the incident as emergency crews responded to the crash site. The accident also caused widespread delays and cancellations at Miami International Airport during the busy Labor Day weekend.
Amazon noted that it was working with local authorities to determine what happened and would fully cooperate with the investigation. The company also expressed condolences to the families and loved ones of those who died.
Officials have not yet determined the cause of the Amazon cargo plane crash. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the investigation and is expected to provide further updates.
Flight tracking data indicated that the aircraft was travelling at about 112 knots (129mph/207km/h) as it left the usable portion of the runway. Tracking information also showed light thunderstorms and gusty winds in the Miami area around the time of the crash.
The Amazon cargo plane incident has added to travel disruptions during one of the busiest holiday weekends in the United States. The Transportation Security Administration had forecast about 17 million travellers passing through US airports during the week leading up to the Labor Day holiday.
The crash has prompted a major emergency response at Miami International Airport, while authorities continue to investigate what caused the aircraft to overrun the runway. With five lives lost and several others injured, officials are expected to provide further updates as the investigation progresses.
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