UPS cargo plane and Copa Airlines jet collide on Miami airport taxiway

A UPS cargo aircraft and a Copa Airlines passenger jet collided on a taxiway at Miami International Airport shortly after 9:15 p.m. on Saturday. The incident occurred while both planes were taxiing; the left wingtip of the Copa Boeing 737-800NG struck the nose of the UPS Boeing 767 that was preparing to depart for Bogota, Colombia.

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue treated two individuals for apparent minor injuries at the scene; neither required hospital transport. The Copa flight carried six crew members and 166 passengers, all of whom were reported to be in good condition aside from the two treated for minor injuries.

"Preliminary information indicates that a cargo aircraft and the left wingtip of the Copa Airlines aircraft came into contact while both aircraft were taxiing," the airline said.

"Copa Airlines regrets the disruption this incident may cause our passengers. The safety of our passengers and crew is our top priority, and we will cooperate with authorities as they investigate the incident," the airline added.

The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed it is investigating the collision and noted that air traffic controllers had instructed the UPS crew to yield to the Copa flight. A pilot was heard on controller audio saying, "Somebody hit us."

UPS issued a statement saying its crew was safe and that the company would cooperate with investigators, emphasizing that safety of employees and the public is its highest priority.

Airport officials redirected flights to alternate taxiways, and there was no reported impact on overall airport operations.