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Emergency audio has been released after an Amazon cargo plane crashed off a runway at Miami International Airport around 2:00PM on Sunday, leaving five people dead and five others injured.
Flight 7598, a Boeing 767-300 operated by cargo carrier 21 Air, had arrived from San Juan, Puerto Rico, before overrunning the airfield. Flight-tracking data indicated that the aircraft exited the usable runway at approximately 129 mph during severe thunderstorms and strong wind gusts.
The jet smashed through the airport perimeter fences and ploughed directly into vehicles on a busy nearby road, coming to rest near a parking lot.
Emergency radio transmissions captured the chaotic moments as first responders arrived at the scene within 30 seconds of the call. Firefighters struggled to contain a massive fire while dealing with an active fuel leak and an operational hazard that hindered their ability to enter the aircraft.
The left engine of the plane remained running after the impact, preventing crews from immediately searching the interior for survivors. Pilots informed rescuers via radio that they could not shut down the engine because they needed to "energize" the aircraft.
Firefighters eventually flooded the running engine with water to disable it and safely continue their operations.
Approximately 200 firefighters and 60 emergency units responded to the site. Beyond tackling the burning fuselage, crews worked to extricate victims from destroyed cars along the roadway. One individual was pinned under a vehicle and required specialized rescue equipment to be freed.
Miami-Dade Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz confirmed the five fatalities. Five additional individuals were rushed to local hospitals, with three reported to be in critical condition.
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Chief Raied "Ray" Jadallah noted that both the pilot and co-pilot were initially trapped inside the plane, though authorities have not released details regarding the duration of their rescue or their physical conditions. Official identities of the deceased and injured have not been made public.
The severe collision forced Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy to issue a full ground stop, halting air traffic at the hub for hours. Hundreds of flights experienced delays or cancellations before authorities managed to reopen two of the airport's four runways later on Sunday evening.
Student pilot Rohan Ellis, 34, observed the scene from across the airfield and described the hit vehicles as "mangled."
Amazon released an official statement regarding the accident: "[We are] heartbroken to learn that five people lost their lives in today’s incident at Miami International Airport."
The company added: "Our deepest condolences go out to the families, loved ones and all those affected by this devastating loss. We’re working closely with local authorities and officials to learn more and will cooperate fully with any investigation."
21 Air CEO Keith Winters expressed similar sentiments, stating the organization was "devastated" by the event. "Our deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives," Winters said.
"Our immediate priorities are supporting those affected, assisting the authorities and ensuring that accurate information is communicated as it becomes available."
Investigative teams from the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board have launched a formal inquiry into the exact cause of the runway overrun. The NTSB is scheduled to issue a public briefing on the investigation status on Monday.
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