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An Amazon Prime Air cargo jet operated by 21 Air overran a runway at Miami International Airport on Sunday afternoon, crashed through a perimeter road, struck multiple vehicles, and caught fire, killing at least five people and injuring five others.
The Boeing 767-300, operating as 21 Air Flight 7598 with registration N1997A, was arriving from Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico, when it failed to stop on Runway 30 at approximately 2:00 p.m. EDT. The aircraft continued past the airfield boundary, crashed through Northwest 42nd Avenue near the 2100 block, and erupted in flames that sent thick black smoke visible across the area.
The crash prompted a full ground stop at one of the busiest airports in the United States and raised immediate questions about runway safety and cargo operations at major hubs.
Crash and Immediate Aftermath
As a cargo flight, the aircraft carried no passengers. The exact breakdown of whether the fatalities were crew members, vehicle occupants, or pedestrians has not yet been officially confirmed. Miami-Dade Fire Rescue reported an active fuel leak from the wreckage that crews were working to mitigate while battling heavy flames.
Images from the scene showed the Amazon-branded fuselage scorched and resting precariously close to nearby buildings as emergency responders surrounded the crash site. More than 60 Miami-Dade Fire Rescue units responded alongside the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office.
Airport Disruption and Ground Stop
The Federal Aviation Administration enacted a full ground stop at MIA around 2:30 p.m. ET through its Air Traffic Control System Command Center, affecting domestic flights nationwide. All runways and taxiways were closed as of 3:00 p.m., though two of the airport’s four runways have since reopened, according to Greg Chin, Communications Director for Miami-Dade Aviation.
Travelers were advised to expect significant delays and potential cancellations as operations resumed partially. Officials urged residents and motorists to avoid the area of 67th Avenue and 25th Street near the airport’s northwest end.
Investigation Underway
The FAA confirmed that 21 Air Flight 7598 overran the runway after landing and stated it will investigate. The National Transportation Safety Board has launched a go team to examine the cause of the crash.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced the ground stop on X and warned travelers of delays. Amazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel confirmed the aircraft was operated by 21 Air and stated the company’s priority was the safety and care of everyone involved. Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava said her office was closely monitoring the situation and focusing on those affected and first responders.
The NTSB go team will examine flight data, weather conditions, and maintenance records as part of a probe that is expected to take months.
Source: Reuters
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