At least five people have been killed and five more injured after an Amazon cargo plane overshot the runway at Miami International Airport, according to authorities.
The plane hit multiple vehicles and burst into flames, sending thick, dark clouds of smoke into the air Sunday afternoon.
The Federal Aviation Administration said the aircraft overran the runway and crashed while landing at around 2 p.m. The flight had been heading to Florida from Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
“Five people lost their lives and five others were injured,” Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava said at a press conference later Sunday. “My heart is with all of the families who were affected and to everyone who is grieving tonight, and we’re also praying for the injured and for their families.”
Photos and videos shared online appeared to show the Prime Air plane had come to a rest beside a roadway. More than 60 Miami-Dade Fire Rescue units responded to the airport to extinguish the blaze, officials said.
Amazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel said in a statement Sunday, “We're heartbroken to learn that five people lost their lives in today’s incident at Miami International Airport. Our deepest sympathies go out to the families, loved ones, and all those affected by this devastating loss.
“The airplane, which was operated by 21 Air, was attempting to land when this incident occurred. We're working closely with local authorities and officials to learn more and will cooperate fully with any investigation."
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the FAA was sending investigators and issued a full ground stop at Miami International as emergency crews responded to the crash.
During a ground stop, all flights are put on hold and the airport is essentially shut down.
The ground stop will end at 9 p.m., but travelers will continue to experience flight disruptions into early Monday as the FAA has also issued a ground delay.
Airline passengers can expect average delays of more than six hours until Monday at around 4 a.m.
The National Transportation Safety Board said it was “gathering information” about the crash.
