Miami, September 7, 2026: At least five people were killed and five others injured after an Amazon cargo plane overran a runway at Miami International Airport on Sunday afternoon, striking several vehicles and catching fire, authorities said.
The aircraft, an Amazon Prime Air Boeing 767 cargo plane operated by North Carolina-based 21 Air, was landing at Miami International Airport after departing from San Juan, Puerto Rico. The plane overran the runway at around 2 p.m. local time before crossing a nearby roadway and crashing into vehicles.
Five People Killed, Five Injured
Miami-Dade County officials confirmed that five people died in the crash. Another five people were taken to hospitals, with three reported to be in critical condition and two others suffering less serious injuries.
Authorities have not immediately confirmed whether the people who died were aboard the aircraft or were occupants of vehicles struck after the plane left the runway. Emergency crews also had to rescue people trapped in vehicles following the crash.
The aircraft itself caught fire following the impact, sending thick black smoke into the sky. More than 60 Miami-Dade Fire Rescue units responded, while specialized airport firefighting crews worked to extinguish the flames and deal with a fuel leak.
Boeing 767 Overran Runway During Landing
The aircraft involved was a Boeing 767-300 freighter operated by 21 Air on behalf of Amazon. The plane had originally been built as a passenger aircraft and was later converted for cargo operations.
According to authorities, the flight arrived from Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico before the runway overrun at Miami. The exact circumstances that caused the aircraft to leave the runway remain under investigation.
Weather conditions are also being examined. Thunderstorms were present in the area, while wind gusts of up to about 30 mph were recorded around the time of the accident. However, officials have not determined whether weather contributed to the crash.
Miami Airport Operations Disrupted
The crash temporarily brought operations at one of the busiest airports in the United States to a halt. A ground stop was imposed while emergency teams responded to the scene.
Hundreds of flights were subsequently affected, with numerous cancellations and delays reported. Some flights were diverted to other airports as crews worked to manage the disruption.
Passengers traveling through Miami were advised to check their flight status with airlines before heading to the airport.
NTSB and FAA Begin Investigation
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the investigation into the accident, with federal aviation authorities also involved. Investigators are expected to examine the aircraft, flight data, weather conditions, runway characteristics, crew actions and other factors that could explain why the Boeing 767 failed to stop.
The cause of the crash has not yet been determined. Officials are expected to provide additional information as investigators examine evidence from the crash site.
Amazon Expresses Condolences
Amazon confirmed that an aircraft operating its Prime Air service was involved in the incident and said the company was cooperating with authorities.
The company expressed condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives and said its focus was on supporting those affected by the tragedy.
What We Know So Far
- Location: Miami International Airport, Florida
- Date: September 6, 2026
- Aircraft: Boeing 767 cargo aircraft
- Operator: 21 Air, operating for Amazon Prime Air
- Flight origin: San Juan, Puerto Rico
- Fatalities: At least 5
- Injured: 5
- Critical injuries: 3
- Fire: Aircraft caught fire after leaving the runway
- Investigation: NTSB and FAA
- Cause: Under investigation
The deadly crash has raised fresh concerns about cargo aviation safety, but investigators have yet to establish what caused the aircraft to overrun the runway. Further updates are expected as the NTSB and FAA continue their investigation.
