At least five dead after Amazon cargo plane overshoots the runway at Miami airport

Officials have confirmed at least five people have died after an Amazon cargo plane overshot the runway and crashed.

The Boeing 767-300, which had the Amazon arrow logo across its tail, ‘struck multiple vehicles’ after speeding off the runway at Miami International Airport.

In a statement, the airport said: "At approximately 2 p.m. today, Prime Air flight 7598 overran Miami International Airport’s diagonal runway and is disabled at the northwest end of the airport.

"All runways and taxiways at [Miami International Airport] are currently closed as of 3:00 p.m. and a ground stop is in effect."

The Miami-Dade Fire Rescue said there had been ‘multiple patients’.

In an update, Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava has confirmed at least five people are dead.

"We can confirm that we have at least five deceased individuals," Cava said.

"Multiple individuals were transported to local hospitals with unknown injuries.”

Cava said that of those injured three are in ‘critical condition’.

She went on to say the ‘area's still a very active scene’ and urged people to stay away.

Cava also said a dedicated hotline had been set up for the families of those who may have been caught up in the incident.

"If you believe that one of your family members may be involved in this tragedy, please contact the Miami Dade sheriff's office at 305-471-2400,” she said.

Shocking footage shared online showed the thick black smoke billowing from the plane shortly after it touched down.

Firefighters and first-responders rushed to the scene and began battling a blaze that had broken out.

Miami's fire chief, Raied Jadallah said the fire department arrived on scene within 30 seconds of receiving the emergency call.

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue said in a statement earlier this evening: "Over 60 Miami-Dade Fire Rescue units are on scene of an incident involving a plane that overran a runway and struck multiple vehicles near Miami International Airport.

"Units arrived to find an airplane that had caught on fire as a result of this crash, with heavy flames and smoke showing. Firefighters are working on extinguishing the fire and assessing patients."

The statement continued to say there are ‘multiple patients’ and added: “We will provide additional updates on patients as they become available.”

Amazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel told LADbible: "We can confirm that an Amazon Air plane operated by 21 Air experienced an incident while attempting to land at Miami International Airport today.

"This is a fast-moving situation and we're still gathering details. We're working closely with local authorities and officials to understand exactly what happened. Right now, our absolute priority is the safety, well-being, and care of everyone involved. We're doing everything we can to support those affected."

The airport has issued an air and ground stop, preventing all other flights from landing or taking-off.

The Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office said: "Due to a major first responder presence, NW 67th Avenue between NW 25th Street - NW 36th Street is currently closed. Expect delays and seek alternate routes.

"Flights at Miami International Airport are also currently grounded. Travellers should expect delays."

The Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) has confirmed the incident and said in a statement that it was investigating the matter.