WASHINGTON, September 07 (H.S.): An Amazon cargo aircraft veered off the runway and crashed into a field at Miami International Airport in the United States on Sunday, striking several vehicles before catching fire. At least five people were killed in the accident, while three others sustained serious injuries. Two additional people were also hospitalised, officials confirmed. They said aircraft operations at the airport were suspended for nearly three hours following the crash.

According to a CBS News report, officials told a press conference after the accident that the cargo aircraft veered off the runway at around 2 p.m. local time. The aircraft had arrived in Miami from San Juan, Puerto Rico. Officials said it was not yet clear whether the people who died were aboard the aircraft or were inside the vehicles struck by the plane.

The accident sent a thick plume of black smoke into the sky. Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Chief Ray Jadallah said the pilot and co-pilot were trapped inside the aircraft’s cockpit. Some people were also trapped inside cars, while another person was pinned underneath a vehicle.

Following the crash, flights at Miami International Airport were halted for nearly three hours. Fuel was also leaking from the aircraft, and firefighters continued working to contain the leak for several hours after the accident. The Prime Air aircraft eventually came to a stop along the roadside, where two large trucks were also parked. Photographs from the scene showed the aircraft lying on its belly. Despite the fire, most of the aircraft remained intact.

The aircraft was a 32-year-old Boeing 767 that had originally been built to carry passengers. It operated for several airlines for more than two decades before being converted into a cargo aircraft in 2015. The flight was operated by 21 Air, a cargo company based in North Carolina.

According to flight-tracking website FlightAware, around 250 flights were delayed at the airport on Sunday afternoon. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) said it would send a team to Miami to investigate the crash. The team will be led by NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy.

Amazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel said the company would extend its full cooperation to the investigation. Amazon expressed sorrow over the deaths of five people and offered its condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims, as well as to everyone affected by the accident.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar