At least five people have been killed after an Amazon cargo plane overran the runway and crashed at Miami International Airport in the United States.
The Boeing 767-300, operated for Amazon by cargo carrier 21 Air, crashed shortly before 2 p.m. local time on Sunday while landing after a flight from San Juan, Puerto Rico.
The aircraft ran beyond the runway, crossed a nearby road and struck several vehicles before coming to a stop and bursting into flames.
Emergency crews rushed to the scene, with more than 60 fire and rescue units deployed to battle the blaze and search for survivors. The pilot and co-pilot were reportedly trapped inside the cockpit and had to be rescued.
Five other people were injured in the crash and taken to hospital, with three reported to be in critical condition.
Authorities have yet to establish whether those killed were aboard the aircraft or among people on the ground.
The crash brought operations at Miami International Airport to a temporary halt, with runways and taxiways closed as emergency teams dealt with the wreckage and a fuel leak. Flights later resumed, although significant delays and cancellations were reported.
The cause of the crash remains unknown.
The National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration have launched investigations into the incident, with investigators expected to examine the aircraft’s landing, weather conditions and other factors that may have contributed to the runway overrun.
Amazon has expressed condolences to those affected and said it is cooperating fully with investigators.
The incident is the latest fatal crash involving an Amazon-operated cargo aircraft and comes as aviation authorities continue to examine safety risks associated with runway overruns and cargo operations.
Authorities are expected to provide further details as the investigation progresses.
