A runway overrun by an Amazon-branded cargo jet at Miami International left five people dead and shut down the airport on a busy Sunday afternoon.
Story Snapshot
- Federal officials confirmed a 21 Air-operated Amazon cargo jet overran a Miami runway around 2 p.m.
- Miami-Dade leaders reported five people dead and five injured after the crash and fire.
- Airport operations halted as crews battled flames and secured the disabled aircraft.
- Investigators will examine why the Boeing 767 failed to stop after landing.
What Happened On The Runway
The Federal Aviation Administration said 21 Air Flight 7598 overran a runway after landing at Miami International Airport around 2 p.m. local time on Sunday. Officials said the Boeing 767-300 had flown from San Juan, Puerto Rico, before it crossed past the runway end and came to rest on the northwest side of the airfield. Amazon confirmed the aircraft was operating for its air cargo network and was handled by contractor 21 Air during the landing attempt.
Airport officials said the aircraft ended up disabled near the northwest end of the airport, and all runways and taxiways were closed while crews responded. A ground stop took effect as emergency teams moved in, and smoke rose from the scene. Multiple outlets reported the jet struck vehicles during the overrun sequence before catching fire, which added to the risk for people on the ground and responders working close to the wreckage.
Confirmed Toll And Emergency Response
Miami-Dade County leaders reported five people were killed and five were injured after the crash. The count came as fire and rescue units staged across the airport perimeter. Local fire officials said more than sixty responders battled heavy flames and smoke after the aircraft came to a stop and ignited. The fire response, triage, and transport drew on county resources and airport teams who trained for mass-casualty events but hoped never to face one this close to terminals.
Officials did not immediately clarify whether the dead were on the aircraft, in the struck vehicles, or nearby. That detail will come from the county medical examiner and the investigation record. Early coverage varied before settling on the current count, which is common in fast-moving events. Authorities asked the public to avoid the area, and travelers were told to expect major delays while the scene remained active and investigators secured the runway and adjacent areas for evidence collection.
Who Operated The Flight And What Comes Next
Amazon said the airplane carried its branding but was operated by 21 Air, a contractor that flies cargo under the Amazon Air network. That structure is typical in air freight and matters for safety oversight, crew training, and maintenance duties. The Federal Aviation Administration will lead the initial review and coordinate with the National Transportation Safety Board to pull flight data, cockpit audio, and maintenance logs to learn why the jet failed to stop on landing in Miami.
🚨 5 KILLED AFTER AMAZON CARGO PLANE CRASHES AT MIAMI AIRPORT
Amazon Prime Air Flight 7598, a Boeing 767-300 cargo aircraft operated by 21 Air overran the runway while landing at Miami International Airport on Sunday.
The aircraft struck multiple vehicles after leaving the… pic.twitter.com/fmIwzOjR1x
— contentkikamii (@contentkikamii) September 7, 2026
Runway overruns are a known type of runway excursion tracked by global safety groups and occur on both takeoff and landing. Industry studies show landing excursions make up a large share of these events and often involve several factors, like runway condition, approach speed, braking, or system faults. Investigators will map touchdown points, measure skid marks, and review weather and runway surface data to piece together the chain that led to this deadly Miami overrun.
Impact On Travelers And Airport Operations
Miami International Airport halted operations as crews secured the disabled aircraft and cleared debris. The closure rippled to airlines, cargo handlers, and connecting hubs. Travelers faced cancellations and missed connections as the ground stop and runway inspections continued. Airport leaders worked to reopen safe surfaces in phases, but any return to normal required confirmed pavement integrity and cleared taxi routes. Airlines began rebooking passengers once the airport shared a recovery timeline through official channels.
Why This Matters For Safety And Accountability
Clear facts matter now that five lives are gone and more people are hurt. The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board must deliver a full account so crews, operators, and airports can fix what failed. Amazon’s confirmation of the contractor relationship helps frame responsibility for training and maintenance. Safety is not a branding exercise; it is about standards, checklists, and discipline. A thorough probe will show whether equipment, procedures, or decisions fell short in Miami.
Sources:
businessinsider.com, abcnews.com, abc7chicago.com, straitstimes.com, nytimes.com













