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Five Killed in Miami Plane Crash Were in Two Vehicles on Ground, Investigators Say
Confirmed
In Short: Five people died in a crash involving an Amazon cargo plane that overran the runway at Miami International Airport, according to investigators.
A cargo plane operated by Amazon crashed on landing at Miami International Airport, killing five people and injuring five others, according to investigators. The victims were in two vehicles on the ground when the plane struck them, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) said.
The crash occurred during the Labor Day holiday weekend, one of the busiest travel periods in the US. The plane, which had two crew members on board and was arriving from San Juan, Puerto Rico, overran the runway and struck navigational aids and equipment before hitting a white Ford van and a Toyota Corolla Cross. The plane then tore through a perimeter fence and traveled about 1,300 feet past the paved surface.
The five fatalities were identified as Rolando Aleman Leon, 55; Yoel Rodriguez Naranjo, 53; Julio C Pineda, 75; Carlos Acosta Fajardo, 53; and Javierkys Reyes Quevedo, 47. The pilot and co-pilot, who were also injured, have since been released from the hospital. The NTSB's Jennifer Homendy called the crash scene 'utter devastation' and said it was too early to identify a cause.
Miami authorities and the NTSB are investigating the incident, with investigators recovering the flight recorders. They will look at flight systems, crew experience, and weather as potential factors. Two of the four runways at the airport remained closed following the crash, leading to further flight disruptions. Amazon expressed its condolences and said it was working closely with authorities.
The crash highlights the risks associated with airport operations, particularly during busy travel periods. The Labor Day holiday weekend saw a significant number of flights, increasing the likelihood of such incidents. Authorities are urging passengers to expect further delays and cancellations as they work to clear the crash site and resume normal operations.
What's still developing
- "It's an incredibly tragic incident that has occurred," the Miami-Dade County Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz told reporters on Tuesday.
- Safety regulator details findings from investigation into Miami plane crash Debris from the aircraft, mangled vehicles and airport fencing was left strewn across the area.
- Their conditions are unknown, while the other three victims were taken to Jackson's Ryder Trauma Center in critical condition, the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office said.