Four people were taken to hospital on Thursday after suffering heat-related illnesses aboard a GlobalX plane at Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport, following an apparent air conditioning malfunction, according to Miami-Dade Fire Rescue.
The aircraft, a charter operated by Global Crossing Airlines (GlobalX), was on the tarmac preparing to depart for Alexandria, Louisiana, when passengers fell ill due to the overheated cabin. Video from the scene showed at least four individuals being wheeled from the plane on stretchers and loaded into ambulances. Some passengers reportedly lost consciousness as temperatures rose inside the cabin, according to witnesses and officials.
GlobalX, based in Miami, has previously been used by Immigration and Customs Enforcement for deportation flights. Alexandria International Airport houses a 400-bed ICE detention and deportation hub, though it was not immediately clear if Thursday's flight was related to that operation. The Independent has contacted ICE for comment.
Emergency crews responded promptly, and operations at the airport continued without disruption. The remaining passengers were transferred to a replacement aircraft, which later departed for Louisiana, according to Local 10 News.
The investigation remains ongoing. Authorities had not released the identities or conditions of the hospitalised passengers as of Thursday evening. The Independent has also contacted Miami-Dade Fire Rescue, the police department, and GlobalX for comment.
