A truck driver working near Miami International Airport became an eyewitness to the tragic accident that resulted in five fatalities and five injuries on Sunday. The catastrophe unfolded when an Amazon Air cargo plane veered off the runway and caught fire.
His exclusive account to Telemundo 51 sheds light on the initial, chaotic moments following the disaster.
"The Boom Sound": The Moment of Impact
The driver described how he and his colleagues were wrapping up their workday when everything changed within seconds. "We were getting ready to leave and suddenly heard the boom," he recounted to Telemundo 51.
According to his testimony, the noise was followed by tremors, smoke, and flames, indicators that quickly revealed the severity of the situation. "Working next to the airport, you're used to seeing planes flying low. Apparently, this one went too far, and the moment you knew, you heard the explosion, felt the tremor, saw the smoke and fire," he explained.
Chaos Erupts After the Crash
Following the impact, the area descended into confusion. The truck driver described the scene around him in the moments after the accident. "People were running back and forth, everyone in the area was impacted, vehicles were involved, and there were two trucks stopped down there; I don't know if the plane hit them," he narrated.
The witness was unsure if the aircraft collided with those trucks. Flight 7598, operated by 21 Air and coming from San Juan, Puerto Rico, crossed an adjacent road to the airport, hitting several vehicles near the 2100 block of Northwest 42nd Avenue before bursting into flames.
Flight tracking data from FlightRadar24 showed the aircraft was traveling at 112 knots—about 207 kilometers per hour—when it left the usable runway. Miami was experiencing light storm conditions and gusty winds at the time of the accident.
Emotional Aftermath of the Tragedy
In addition to recounting the event, the truck driver shared the emotional toll of witnessing the disaster up close. "It's tough because you think that at any moment, it could be us," he confessed.
His reflection highlights the emotional impact the crash had on those working near the airport who witnessed the tragedy.
Emergency Response Operations
The Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Department deployed over 60 units and approximately 200 personnel to manage the emergency. Rescuers found the aircraft ablaze on arrival, fought a complex engine fire, controlled an active fuel leak, and rescued a person trapped beneath one of the vehicles.
Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava confirmed in a press conference that at least five people lost their lives, and five others were injured, three critically, according to Fire Chief Raied Jadallah.
The plane's two pilots were taken to Jackson South Medical Center, while three others were transported to Jackson Memorial Hospital.
Investigation and Airport Impact
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched investigations to determine the causes of the crash.
U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy ordered a complete suspension of operations at the airport, cautioning travelers to expect significant delays and possible cancellations.
The accident occurred over the Labor Day weekend, a peak travel period in the United States, with 17 million travelers expected in airports nationwide that week.
Hours after the crash, two of the airport's four runways were reopened. Amazon confirmed that the aircraft belonged to Amazon Air and was operated by 21 Air, a cargo airline based in Greensboro, North Carolina. Both companies stated their full cooperation with the investigation.
The NTSB is expected to release its initial findings on Monday regarding why the Boeing 767-300 overshot the runway, triggering the tragedy.
Key Questions About the Miami Airport Plane Crash
What caused the Amazon Air plane to crash at Miami Airport?
The cause of the crash is currently under investigation by the FAA and NTSB. Initial data suggests the Boeing 767-300 overshot the runway amid light storm conditions and gusty winds.
How many people were affected by the accident?
The crash resulted in five fatalities and five injuries, with three individuals in critical condition.
What was the response from emergency services?
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue deployed over 60 units and around 200 personnel to handle the emergency, extinguishing fires, controlling a fuel leak, and rescuing trapped individuals.