NTSB arrives at Miami International Airport to begin investigation into deadly Amazon cargo plane crash

Because of the ongoing situation at the airport, American Airlines said it was waiving change fees for travelers with flights to, from, or through MIA.

The airline posted more details on its website.

Many passengers who spoke with CBS News Miami said the situation had left them wondering what to do next as flight delays and cancellations mount, but said that they're keeping things in perspective given the fatal plane crash.

"It's sad what happened," Juana Paz said. "We just think of ourselves, but we don't think about other people who died, which is sad."

The NTSB held a news conference on Monday afternoon to provide more information about the fatal incident.

21 Air says it's "devastated" by crash at MIA

The Prime Air plane, which was being operated by North Carolina-based 21 Air, overran one of the airport's runways and came to a rest in an adjacent field, officials said at a Sunday news conference.

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue said the plane hit several vehicles near the 2100 block of Northwest 42nd Avenue, and more than 60 of its units responded to the crash. The Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office said it also responded.

21 Air CEO Keith Winters said in a statement on Sunday that he was "devastated by the accident involving one of our aircraft."

"Our deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives," he said. "Our immediate priorities are supporting those affected, assisting the authorities, and ensuring that accurate information is communicated as it becomes available."

"We are cooperating fully with the National Transportation Safety Board, the Federal Aviation Administration, and local authorities," he said, adding that, "The circumstances of the accident are under investigation."

21 Air also added on Monday that it began a toll-free Family Assistance Line to "provide information directly to families of crew members and personnel involved in this event." 

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue battles fire after plane crash, rescues victims 

Of the five people who were injured, three were taken to a local trauma center in critical condition. Two others were assessed and taken to local hospitals. The names of the victims have not been released.

MDFR said when crews arrived, the plane was on fire and spewing out heavy smoke. 

"What we found was a very complex situation," MDFR Chief Ray Jadallah said. 

Crews used foam and specialized airport firefighting units to combat the flames, MDFR said. Crews also conducted search and rescue operations, including for the pilot and co-pilot inside the cockpit, while also locating and assessing patients throughout the scene, MDFR said. 

Officials did not provide further information on the condition of the plane's crew. Officials have said it was too early to tell if the people killed were aboard the plane or on the ground.

Several people were trapped inside their vehicles and had to be removed using specialized MDFR technical rescue personnel, officials said. 

Fuel leak reported at Amazon plane crash site

MDFR said there was an active fuel leak "occurring off of the aircraft that is being mitigated." Residents and motorists were urged to avoid the area of 67th Avenue and 25th Street, Commissioner Natalie Milian Orbis said.

Officials said there was no ongoing threat to public safety.

Amazon responds to cargo plane crash

Amazon confirmed one of its planes was involved in the crash.

"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," Kelly Nantel, an Amazon spokesperson, said.

Nantel said the company was "heartbroken to learn that five people lost their lives" and that their "deepest sympathies go out to the families, loved ones, and all those affected by this devastating loss."

Amazon will "cooperate fully with any investigation," Nantel added.

Is Miami International Airport still under a ground stop?

The Air Traffic Control System Command Center, part of the Federal Aviation Administration, issued the ground stop around 2:30 p.m. ET. Two of the airport's runways have since been reopened, according to Greg Chin, the communications director for the Miami-Dade Aviation Department. The ground stop was canceled after about three hours, and on Sunday night the average delay for a flight into the airport was more than six hours.

The FAA confirmed that a Boeing 767-300 that departed from San Juan, Puerto Rico, was involved in the crash. The 767 is 32 years old and had originally flown as a passenger plane for several airlines before it was converted into a cargo plane in 2015, according to Flightradar24.

Sean Duffy, secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation, shared a brief statement on X, advising travelers of possible delays and cancellations.

In:

• Miami-Dade Fire-Rescue
• Plane Crash
• South Florida
• Miami
• Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office
• Miami International Airport
• Miami-Dade