MIAMI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, FLA. (WSVN) - Radio transmissions captured the moments when first responders were dispatched to the site of a deadly cargo plane crash at Miami International Airport on Labor Day weekend.
Within 30 seconds of an Alert 3 from Miami air traffic control of a plane down, Miami-Dade firefighters and other first responders rushed to the crash site a few hundred feet northwest of MIA’s Runway 30.
Those firefighters could be heard describing the scene in their own words.
“Plane is on fire, plane is on fire, put your game faces on,” said a first responder in radio transmissions.
That directive was sent over Miami-Dade Fire Rescue dispatch, after an Amazon cargo plane crashed and burned at Miami International Airport, at around 2 p.m. on Sunday.
“It struck a truck. We do have a patient on the ground, we are looking in the area for more patients,” said a first responder in radio transmissions.
The Boeing 767-300 collided with several vehicles, trapping people inside, investigators said.
MDFR Chief Ray Jadallah later spoke with reporters about the incident and their response.
“These incidents require seconds, not necessarily minutes in regards to a response. The airplane did strike a couple of vehicles that required [extricating] a couple of victims that were actually trapped in the vehicle,” said Jadallah.
Video on social media showed authorities attempting to free a person from an overturned vehicle.
“We’ve got one breathing, he’s alive, he’s alive,” said an emergency responder.
After the all-hands-on-deck call over the radio, over 60 Miami-Dade Fire Rescue crews and about 200-plus brave men and women surrounded the plane in the debris field.
“We have a patient trapped. We’re gonna need extrication, we’re gonna need a [Technical Rescue Team] Unit, trapped under a van,” said a first responder in radio transmissions.
“The fire appears to be under control, almost out. We are working on replenishing our vehicles in reference to water and foam,” said a first responder in radio transmissions.
As firefighters contained the fire, the plane still had other issues.
“In addition to that, we had a very complex fire engine compartments that were on fire, including a search-and-rescue of the pilot and copilot that were trapped in this aircraft. This incident will continue for the next several days,” said Jadallah.
“There is a pilot walking on the parking lot trying to get one of the firefighter’s attention to shut the engine off,” said a first responder in radio transmissions.
Firefighters quickly got everyone off of the plane, which began leaking fuel.
“All of the souls are off the aircraft. We are going to try to treat the pilots; other than that, the scene is kind of downgrading,” said a first responder in radio transmissions.
Five people lost their lives, and another five were transported to the hospital, officials said.
“I need rescue to come to the scene to treat and transport the pilot,” said a first responder in radio transmissions.
Firefighters said a specialized foam was used to extinguish the flames caused by the fuel leak.
It’s unclear at this time whether or not the fuel leak has been contained.
At a press conference, National Transportation and Safety Board Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy recognized the actions of the first responders at the scene.
“Speaking of saving lives, I want to thank the work of all the first responders on scene, and those who continue to be on scene, specifically Miami [International] Airport, Miami-Dade Sheriff’s [Office], Miami-Dade Fire Rescue, and the local FBI,” she said.
Late Monday evening, crews continued to work inside the crash site, as roads remained closed.
Much of the area in the northwest corner of the airport, including Northwest 67th Avenue and 25th Street will remain closed as the investigation continues.
Copyright 2026 Sunbeam Television Corp. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.