A pilot was captured on camera fleeing the wreckage of an Amazon cargo plane after it crashed at Miami International Airport on Sunday afternoon (September 6), killing five people and injuring five others.
Investigators believe the dead were all inside a van carrying seven people from a cleaning company, and an SUV hit outside of airport property.
Pilot runs from burning wreckage
New footage shows the moment one of the pilots crawls from the wreckage and runs to safety. After the plane comes to a stop, a man can be seen slowly crawling out of the fuselage on a grassy area, before getting up to his feet and jogging away before smoke billows from the plane.
The clip was taken by eyewitness Olvin Henriquez, who said it was ‘shocking to witness all of that’. He told ABC Miami: “We saw the pilot jump out of the cockpit door and run for his life as the plane rapidly burst into flames. My family and I quickly turned the car around, fearing the plane might explode violently.”
Investigation underway
National Transportation Safety Board chair Jennifer Homendy, leading the investigation into the crash, said the Boeing 767, landing from Puerto Rico, overran the runway by nearly 400 metres, but has not revealed any preliminary theories on why the plane crashed.
Homendy led a team of investigators to the site on Monday, where she described the scene as ‘utter devastation’. The debris included vehicle air bags, equipment from the vehicles, the airplane and the airport, and “fencing everywhere,” Homendy said.
“It’s pretty extensive. Hard to see and I’m sure it must have been very difficult for the responders as well,” Homendy said.
Amazon statement and next steps
Amazon said in a statement that it would cooperate with any investigation. “We’re heartbroken to learn that five people lost their lives in today’s incident at Miami International Airport,” the company said. “Our deepest sympathies go out to the families, loved ones, and all those affected by this devastating loss.”
More information is due to be released by authorities, including potential black box recordings, on Tuesday.
