Photo: Joe Raedle / Getty Images News / Getty Images
MIAMI, Fla. — A cargo jet flying for Amazon Air crashed while landing at Miami International Airport on Sunday afternoon, killing five people and injuring five others in one of the deadliest aviation incidents in South Florida in recent years.
Authorities say the Boeing 767 cargo aircraft was arriving from San Juan, Puerto Rico, when it failed to stop on the runway and continued beyond the airfield, coming to rest near a roadway outside the airport. The aircraft caught fire following the crash, sending thick black smoke into the air that was visible for miles.
First responders rushed to the scene as firefighters worked to extinguish the blaze and rescue survivors. Officials said five people died in the crash, while five others were transported to local hospitals. Several of the survivors reportedly suffered critical injuries.
The aircraft was being operated by cargo carrier 21 Air on behalf of Amazon Air. Investigators have not yet determined what caused the plane to overrun the runway.
The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board have launched investigations and are expected to examine flight data, weather conditions, aircraft performance and communications with air traffic controllers.
The crash temporarily disrupted operations at Miami International Airport, causing flight delays and prompting the closure of portions of the airfield while emergency crews responded.
Amazon released a statement expressing condolences to the victims and their families and said the company is cooperating fully with authorities as the investigation continues.
The identities of those killed have not yet been released pending notification of next of kin. Officials expect more information to become available as investigators begin their on-scene examination of the wreckage.