FIVE DEAD AS AMAZON CARGO PLANE OVERSHOOTS RUNWAY AT MIAMI AIRPORT

At least five people have been killed after an Amazon Prime Air cargo aircraft crashed while attempting to land at Miami International Airport in Florida, United States, on Sunday. The Boeing 767-300, operated for Amazon by cargo carrier 21 Air, reportedly overran the runway shortly before 2pm local time after arriving from San Juan, Puerto Rico. The aircraft crossed beyond the runway and struck several vehicles on a nearby road before catching fire, sending thick smoke into the sky and bringing airport operations to a temporary halt.

Five other people were injured in the incident, including three who were reported to be in critical condition, while two others were taken to hospital with less serious injuries. Emergency responders faced a difficult operation as several people became trapped, including the aircraft's pilot and co-pilot, who were reportedly stuck inside the cockpit. Firefighters deployed more than 60 emergency units and about 200 personnel to battle the flames, rescue victims and manage a fuel leak from the aircraft.

The crash caused a major disruption at one of the busiest airports in the United States, with flights temporarily halted while emergency crews worked at the scene. The aircraft eventually came to rest near a roadway and several large vehicles after leaving the usable section of the runway. Authorities have not yet established whether all of those killed were occupants of the aircraft or people on the ground when the plane struck the vehicles. The identities of the victims had also not been immediately released.

Investigators have begun examining the circumstances surrounding the crash, with the US Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board involved in the investigation. Officials said it was too early to determine what caused the aircraft to leave the runway. Weather conditions were also being examined, as thunderstorms and wind gusts were reported in the Miami area around the time of the accident, although authorities have not confirmed that weather played a role.

Amazon expressed concern over the incident and said it was working with the relevant authorities as investigations continue. The crash represents another fatal accident involving an Amazon Prime Air freighter and has renewed attention on safety within the rapidly expanding air-cargo sector. Authorities are expected to examine the aircraft, runway conditions, weather data, flight operations and other evidence as they work to determine exactly what led to the deadly accident.