A cargo plane operating for Amazon overran the runway at Miami International Airport on Sunday afternoon, colliding with multiple vehicles on a perimeter road. The incident, involving 21 Air Flight 7598, occurred around 2 p.m. local time as the aircraft concluded a flight from San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Emergency responders from Miami-Dade Fire Rescue arrived to find the 32-year-old Boeing 767 engulfed in flames. More than 60 fire units were deployed to suppress the blaze and evaluate potential casualties. While the immediate status of those involved remains unconfirmed, officials are currently assessing the scene.
The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed the aircraft departed the pavement after landing on the airport’s 9,000-foot-long runway 30. A review of air traffic control communications indicates that the flight crew did not declare an emergency prior to the landing. Following the crash, the aircraft damaged critical navigational equipment located beyond the runway surface.
In response to the emergency, airport authorities implemented a total ground stop, resulting in the closure of all runways. Amazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel described the situation as fast-moving, noting that the company is coordinating with local officials to determine the cause of the excursion. Amazon is currently focused on providing support to those impacted by the event.
The National Transportation Safety Board is actively gathering information regarding the crash, and the FAA has initiated a formal investigation into the circumstances surrounding the landing. 21 Air, a Miami-based cargo carrier that provides logistics services for major retailers including Amazon and DHL, has yet to provide a statement regarding the incident.
Runway excursions remain the most frequent type of aviation incident globally, according to International Air Transport Association data. While airports typically maintain designated safety buffers at the ends of runways to mitigate such risks, the impact in this instance caused significant damage and a major emergency response. Inspection crews have confirmed that no debris was left on the runway itself, suggesting the plane remained intact until it exited the paved area. The report also notes that more than 60 fire units responded to the scene to put out the fire and assess patients. The report also notes that it’s unclear if anyone was injured during the incident. The report also notes that “We’re working closely with local authorities and officials to understand exactly what happened.”. The report also notes that amazon is “doing everything we can to support those affected,” the statement continued.