Amazon Pauses Operations with Cargo Carrier After Fatal Miami Crash
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Osmond Chia, Business reporter
AFP via Getty Images
E-commerce giant Amazon announced it is suspending work with the firm that operated a cargo plane involved in a fatal crash in Miami this month.
"After the tragic incident last weekend, we’ve spent time supporting the investigation and reviewing some of the surrounding circumstances, and we’ve decided to pause our operations with 21 Air," an Amazon spokesperson stated on Sunday.
On September 6th, the 21 Air-operated Boeing jet overshot a runway at Miami International Airport, hitting several vehicles and resulting in the deaths of five people.
The BBC has reached out to 21 Air for comment. The company previously expressed its devastation over the accident and committed to cooperating with authorities in their investigation.
The US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the crash inquiry.
Amazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel emphasized, "Safety has always been our top priority, whether in our own operations or when we’re working with partners." She added that Amazon will continue supporting the investigation and those affected.
The Boeing 767-300 cargo plane crashed after departing from Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico. It overshot the runway, colliding with nearby vehicles before coming to a stop. NTSB chairwoman Jennifer Homendy described the crash site as a scene of "utter devastation."
Last week, Miami authorities identified the five fatalities: Rolando Aleman Leon (55), Yoel Rodriguez Naranjo (53), Julio C Pineda (75), Carlos Acosta Fajardo (53), and Javierkys Reyes Quevedo (47). Five others were injured.
Investigators have recovered flight recorders to analyze conditions preceding the crash.
21 Air is an all-cargo carrier that services major companies like Amazon and DHL.
