Federal authorities are investigating the crash of an Amazon Air Boeing after it overran a runway at Miami International Airport, striking cars and killing five people.
The plane, operated by 21 Air, overran a runway at Miami International Airport at about 2 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 6, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.
Five people were killed and five were taken to a hospital.
Two of Miami International Airport's four runways "remain closed" as of 2 p.m. Sept. 8, according to the airport's website.
Federal authorities are investigating the incident
The National Transportation Safety Board, a federal agency charged with "investigating every civil aviation accident in the United States," according to Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy, opened an investigation into the incident, and has recovered
the plane’s flight data recorder and voice recorder, which were being examined.
"I want to pause for a moment, before I continue on and talk about the investigation, and extend our deepest condolences to the families who lost loved ones in this terrible tragedy, and to the families of those who suffered serious or minor injuries," Homendy said during a press conference.
"We are deeply, deeply committed to our duty, our responsibilities, as an investigative agency," she added. "To determine how this accident occurred, why it happened, with one goal in mind: Safety. And that's to prevent it from happening again."
What happened during the crash?
According to Homendy, it was the aircraft's third flight that day. It flew from Cincinnati to Miami, from Miami to San Juan, and then crashed upon returning to Miami from San Juan. The plane overran the runway, and "struck navigational aids and equipment, then impacted a 2012 white Ford Econoline van."
The van was owned by Professional Ocean Service Corporation, "a contract cleaning company for the airlines." There were seven people in the van, according to Homendy, and after the plane "traveled through a perimeter fence," it hit a Toyota Corolla that was driving along Northwest 67th Ave.
Overall, the plane was about 1,300 feet "past the paved surface."
The Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office released the names of those who were hurt and killed in the crash.
Five people were killed in the crash. Among them, Rolando Aleman Leon, 55 years old, Yoel Rodriguez Narajo, 53, Julio C. Pineda, 75, Carlos Acosta Fajardo, 53 and Javierkys Reyes Quevedo, 47.
Several people were injured. Eugenio Corredor, 79, was in the Sedan and is in critical condition. Ridoel Averhoff Diaz, 32, was in the van and is in critical condition. Roosevelt Sebastian Perdomo Torres, 36, was in the van and is in stable condition. Jaime Felipe Silva Molina, 37 and a pilot, was released with minor injuries. Joseph Carol, 55 and a pilot, was released with minor injuries.
"The recovery of victims is most important," she said. "The investigation and access to the aircraft, as well as evidence, can wait."
Homendy said the site of the crash was "devastating."
"Utter devastation. I mean, you can see, on the paved surface, tire marks that continue through the grass," she said. "There's debris everywhere. The Econoline van is torn apart. It certainly must have been devastating."
21 Air said it was "cooperating fully with the National Transportation Safety Board, the Federal Aviation Administration, and local authorities."
"Our deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives," their statement reads. "Our immediate priorities are supporting those affected, assisting the authorities, and ensuring that accurate information is communicated as it becomes available."
Kelly Nantel, a spokesperson for Amazon, said the company would "fully cooperate with them and support any other investigating authorities and we’ll also continue to coordinate with 21 Air, which operated the flight."
"Amazon leaders are also meeting with local officials, first responders, and others in the community to offer our support," read the statement.
Sarah Perkel is a South Florida Connect Reporter for the USA TODAY Network's Florida Connect team. You can get all of Florida’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday day by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What to know about the investigation into fatal Amazon plane crash in Miami
