The Boeing 767-300, operated by Prime Air as Flight 7598, arrived from San Juan, Puerto Rico, at about 1:58pm before overshooting the runway and colliding with several vehicles.
Miami-Dade County Fire Chief Ray Jadallah said the crash left some victims trapped inside the vehicles, requiring a complex rescue operation involving specialised technical teams.
Three people were transported to trauma centres in critical condition, while two others were taken to a local hospital for treatment.
Emergency responders deployed about 60 fire and rescue vehicles and nearly 200 personnel to conduct search-and-rescue operations and battle the resulting blaze.
Firefighters used foam to extinguish the fire around the aircraft’s engine, while hazardous-materials teams secured the engine and worked to contain a fuel leak.
Authorities have not yet determined what caused the aircraft to leave the runway.
The National Transportation Safety Board said it had deployed an investigative team to examine the accident. The Federal Aviation Administration is also expected to be involved in the investigation.
Amazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel expressed condolences to the victims’ families and said the company would cooperate with investigators.
“We’re heartbroken to learn that five people lost their lives in today’s incident at Miami International Airport. Our deepest sympathies go out to the families, loved ones, and all those affected by this devastating loss,” Nantel said.
Miami Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz described the scene as “really tragic” but said there was no apparent threat to public safety.
The crash temporarily disrupted operations at Miami International Airport, forcing authorities to close all runways and taxiways. The incident resulted in widespread flight delays and cancellations.
Two of the airport’s four runways were later reopened, while passengers were advised to check with their airlines for updates before travelling to the airport.
Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava commended first responders for their quick intervention, saying emergency crews arrived within seconds of the crash.
