Five members of a plane‑cleaning crew lost their lives when an Amazon cargo jet collided with their Econoline van at Miami International Airport on Sunday. The crew had been finishing an eight‑hour shift, preparing aircraft for departure, when the jet overshot the runway and struck the van.
Victims and survivors
Those killed were Yoel Rodriguez Naranjo, 53, a Cuban‑born immigrant who supported his family with multiple jobs; Rolando Aleman Leon, 55; Julio C. Pineda, 75; Carlos Acosta Fajardo, 53; and Javierkys Reyes Quevedo, 47. Two other workers, Ridoel Averhoff Diaz, 32, and Roosevelt Sebastian Perdomo Torres, 36, survived but remain in critical condition at a local hospital.
Family statements and legal action
Attorney Jorge Garcia, a friend of Naranjo’s family, filed a wrongful‑death lawsuit on behalf of the victims against Amazon, the charter operator 21 Air, and the pilots. Garcia described Naranjo as “a very hardworking man, very loved by his wife and son,” and said the family is facing an “unimaginable” loss.
Acosta Fajardo’s family called him “an incredible human being, a loving husband, devoted son, cherished friend, and valued co‑worker.” The Gutierrez Firm, representing his family, pledged to conduct a thorough and independent investigation while treating his memory with dignity.
Reyes Quevedo’s relatives expressed that his passing has left them “heartbroken,” and they are seeking answers about how the tragedy occurred.
Employer response
Professional Ocean Service Corp., which has cleaned planes at MIA for at least 15 years, issued a statement: “Our employees are far more than the people who work beside us each day; they are family, and they are deeply loved.” The company cleans and disinfects both private and commercial jets, handling interior and exterior surfaces, carpet, paint, and more.
Working conditions for airport cleaning crews
Retired airline captain and attorney Soma Priddle, who represents pilots and aviation workers, explained that cleaning crews are under intense time pressure. “They’re in a van, rushed to the airplane, standing by on the jetway when the aircraft arrives. The minute the passengers are off, their foreman is rushing them to get into that airplane to grab every piece of trash, wipe down the bathrooms and countertops, and get out,” she said.
Workers are exposed to harsh chemicals, bodily fluids, hydraulic fluid, jet fuel, and de‑icing fluids. Turnaround times are tight, and failure to meet deadlines can cost a company its cleaning contracts.
“It’s a god‑awful job,” Priddle added. “They work long hours. They’re just pushed and pushed and pushed.”
Union perspective on wages and safety
Manny Pastreich, president of the 32BJ Service Employees International Union, which represents more than 20,000 airport workers on the East Coast, noted that most cleaners earn close to minimum wage with no benefits. “It’s an incredibly hard job and not as well compensated as it should be,” he said, adding that the union’s own report this year highlighted staffing shortages at other airports, leading crews to feel rushed.
Investigation ongoing
Miami‑Dade Sheriff’s Office investigators are reviewing flight data, runway conditions, and communications to determine why the jet overshot the runway. The crash has also caused temporary disruptions to cargo and passenger operations at the airport.
Community members, faith groups, and local businesses have expressed condolences and offered support to the families. A candlelight vigil is planned at a nearby church later this week, emphasizing the deep ties these workers had with their neighborhoods and the importance of honoring their sacrifice.
Original reporting: NBC6 Miami — read the source article.
