At least five people have been killed after an Amazon cargo plane overshot the runway at Miami International Airport, crashed into vehicles and caught fire.
The Boeing 767-300, operating as Prime Air Flight 7598, had arrived from San Juan, Puerto Rico, at around 1:58pm local time on Sunday when the incident occurred.
Miami-Dade County Fire Rescue Chief Ray Jadallah said the aircraft struck several vehicles, trapping people inside.
In addition to the five fatalities, three people were transported to trauma centres in critical condition, while two others were treated at a local hospital.
Rescue teams were also required to free people trapped inside the aircraft and vehicles.
Jadallah said approximately 60 emergency vehicles and nearly 200 firefighters and rescue personnel responded to the scene.
Dramatic footage showed thick black smoke rising from the blue-and-white aircraft as emergency crews rushed to extinguish the blaze.
Fire officials said foam was used to put out a fire in the aircraft's engine compartment. A person trapped beneath one of the vehicles was also freed by specialised technical rescue personnel.
Hazardous materials teams were brought in to safely shut down the aircraft's engine and contain a fuel leak.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are expected to investigate the cause of the crash.
The NTSB said it had deployed an investigation team to examine the runway excursion.
Amazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel expressed condolences to the victims and their families.
“We’re heartbroken to learn that five people lost their lives in today’s incident at Miami International Airport,” Nantel said.
“Our deepest sympathies go out to the families, loved ones, and all those affected by this devastating loss.”
Miami-Dade Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz described the scene as tragic but said there was no apparent ongoing threat to public safety.
The airport temporarily closed all runways and taxiways following the crash, causing widespread delays and cancellations.
Travellers were advised to check directly with their airlines before making their way to the airport.
Two of the airport's four runways were later reported to have reopened as emergency operations continued.
Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava praised emergency responders for their rapid response to the incident.
“Our fire rescue team was there within seconds of the crash, so we’re deeply grateful,” she said.