Four people were hospitalized Thursday after suffering heat-related illnesses aboard a plane at Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport following an apparent air conditioning malfunction, according to Miami-Dade Fire Rescue.
The incident involved a GlobalX plane that was still on the tarmac and preparing to depart for Alexandria, Louisiana, according to CBS News. GlobalX, also known as Global Crossing Airlines, is a Miami-based charter carrier that has previously been used by Immigration and Customs Enforcement for deportation flights, though it was not immediately clear whether the aircraft involved Thursday was being used for that purpose.
Alexandria International Airport houses the Alexandria Staging Facility, a 400-bed ICE detention and deportation hub that is one of the busiest in the country. The Independent has contacted ICE for comment.
Emergency crews responded to the airport after passengers reportedly became ill inside the overheated cabin. Video from the scene, captured by Local 10 News’ helicopter, showed at least four people being wheeled from the plane on stretchers and loaded into ambulances. Some passengers reportedly lost consciousness as temperatures inside the plane rose, according to witnesses and officials cited by the station.
Despite the emergency, operations at Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport continued without disruption. The remaining passengers were transferred to a replacement aircraft that later departed for Louisiana, according to Local 10.
The investigation remains ongoing. Authorities had not released the identities or conditions of the hospitalized passengers as of Thursday evening.
The Independent has contacted the Miami-Dade Fire Rescue, police department and GlobalX for comment.
