Five killed

Author: Gist Correspondent

At least five people have been confirmed dead and five others injured after an Amazon cargo aircraft crashed while landing at Miami International Airport in the United States on Sunday.

The aircraft, operated by cargo airline 21 Air on behalf of Amazon, reportedly overran the runway, slammed into several vehicles and burst into flames, sending thick black smoke into the air.

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Chief Raied "Ray" Jadallah said three of the injured victims were in critical condition and were taken to a trauma centre, while two others were transported to a nearby hospital.

Emergency responders said several victims trapped inside the vehicles struck by the aircraft had to be rescued before receiving medical attention.

Radio communications captured first responders urging crews to act quickly as the aircraft burned, while confirming that the pilots had been pulled from the wreckage and were receiving treatment.

Authorities said there was no immediate threat to the public, although emergency teams continued working to contain an ongoing fuel leak at the crash site.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said the Boeing 767 cargo plane, which had departed San Juan, Puerto Rico, overran the runway shortly after 2 p.m. local time. Flight tracking data indicated the aircraft was travelling at nearly 130 miles per hour when it left the paved surface.

Investigators said the pilots did not declare an emergency before landing, and the cause of the runway excursion remains unknown.

Amazon expressed condolences to the families of those who died, saying it was cooperating fully with investigators. The company confirmed the aircraft was operated by 21 Air, which provides cargo services for Amazon and other logistics firms.

The National Transportation Safety Board and the FAA have launched investigations into the crash.

Although no aircraft debris was found on the runway, officials said the plane damaged airport navigational equipment after leaving the pavement. Flight operations were later partially restored, with delays expected as recovery efforts continue.