Amazon cargo aircraft sends up billowing cloud of smoke after overrunning runway at Miami airport

MIAMI — An Amazon cargo aircraft barreled off a runway at Miami Worldwide Airport on Sunday, putting a number of automobiles and bursting into flames in a crash that despatched thick black smoke billowing into the sky and compelled the closure of all runways at one of many nation’s busiest airports.

Greater than 60 Miami-Dade Fireplace Rescue models responded to the crash, arriving to search out the plane on hearth as crews labored to extinguish the flames and assess sufferers. Officers had not but launched info on accidents or deaths.

The Federal Aviation Administration mentioned the plane overran the runway round 2 p.m. after arriving from San Juan, Puerto Rico. Miami-Dade Fireplace Rescue officers mentioned the aircraft struck a number of automobiles after leaving the runway.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy mentioned the FAA was sending investigators and issued a full floor cease at Miami Worldwide as emergency crews responded.

The Prime Air aircraft got here to relaxation beside a roadway close to two semi-trucks, in line with photos from the scene. The plane seemed to be resting on its stomach and was largely intact regardless of the fireplace.

All runways and taxiways had been closed, an airport spokesperson mentioned. About 250 flights had been delayed on the airport as of late afternoon Sunday, in line with FlightAware, an internet site that tracks flight disruptions.

The FAA warned that delays had been prone to persist even after the airport reopened, with arrivals and departures anticipated to renew at a diminished price.

The Nationwide Transportation Security Board mentioned it was “gathering info” in regards to the crash.

Amazon didn’t instantly reply to an e mail searching for remark.