The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) disclosed new insights on Monday regarding the Amazon cargo plane crash at Miami International Airport. The revelations included details that the aircraft collided with at least two ground vehicles, with all crew members surviving the incident.
Jennifer Homendy, NTSB Chair, clarified that one of the impacted vehicles was a white Ford Econoline van. This van belonged to a contractor company providing cleaning services at the airport.
There were seven individuals inside the van at the time of the crash.
In addition to the van, the plane struck another civilian vehicle after it overshot the runway's end and breached the airport's perimeter.
The tragic event resulted in five fatalities and five injuries, some critically, as reported by Miami-Dade authorities.
The aircraft involved was a Boeing 767-300 operated by 21 Air, conducting flight 7598 for Amazon Prime Air, having arrived from Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Homendy noted that the cargo plane traveled approximately 1,300 feet (around 396 meters) beyond the paved runway end before coming to a stop. Despite the crash's severity and the subsequent fire, the crew survived.
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue deployed about 60 units and around 200 personnel. Emergency responders encountered the plane engulfed in flames, focusing efforts on extinguishing the fire and rescuing victims.
Operations at Miami International Airport (MIA) were temporarily halted through a "ground stop," which was lifted hours later to allow for a gradual resumption of airport activities.
The NTSB and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) continue to investigate the reasons behind the Boeing 767's inability to stop within airport boundaries.
Investigators have retrieved both the flight data recorder and the cockpit voice recorder, commonly known as "black boxes," which will be crucial in piecing together the flight's final minutes and understanding what transpired inside the cockpit.
As of Monday's press briefing, the identities of the deceased individuals had not been publicly disclosed.
Key Questions About the Miami Amazon Plane Crash
What caused the Amazon cargo plane to crash in Miami?
The exact cause is still under investigation by the NTSB and FAA, as they analyze the flight data and cockpit voice recordings.
How many people were affected by the crash?
The crash resulted in five fatalities and five injuries, with several individuals in critical condition.
What steps are being taken in response to the crash?
Emergency services responded swiftly to extinguish the fire and rescue victims. Investigations are ongoing to determine the accident's cause.