A terrifying incident unfolded at Denver International Airport as passengers aboard an American Airlines flight were forced to evacuate onto the tarmac due to a fire breaking out on the aircraft. The dramatic scene saw travelers huddled on the wing of the Boeing 737-800, with thick smoke billowing into the air and flames visible near the bottom of the plane.
Emergency Evacuation Amidst Flames
The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that passengers used inflatable slides to exit the aircraft safely. While there were no serious injuries reported, airport officials later stated that 12 people were taken to the hospital for minor injuries.
The flight had departed from Colorado Springs and was en route to Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport when the crew reported “engine vibrations.” As a result, the plane diverted to Denver, landing at approximately 5:15 PM local time (23:15 GMT). Shortly after landing, the aircraft caught fire while taxiing on the tarmac.
Cause Under Investigation
American Airlines confirmed that the aircraft was carrying 172 passengers and six crew members, all of whom were evacuated without major injuries. The airline described the incident as an “engine-related issue,” but further investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the fire.
Michael Konopasek, a spokesperson for Denver International Airport, noted that smoke and flames were visible from multiple gates. However, the incident did not cause significant delays to other flights, as emergency teams quickly contained the fire.
Shocking Footage Captures the Chaos
Videos shared on social media captured the alarming moments as passengers cautiously stepped onto the aircraft’s wing, with emergency responders rushing to assist. One video showed flames burning near the right engine while an evacuation slide deployed at the rear door. Ground crew members could be seen pushing ladders toward the wing to facilitate the rescue.
Growing Concerns Over Aviation Safety
This incident comes amid rising concerns about aviation safety in North America following multiple high-profile air disasters. A fatal crash in Washington DC involving an American Airlines regional jet and a US Army Black Hawk helicopter recently claimed 67 lives, prompting scrutiny over air traffic controller shortages and heavy workloads.
Further fueling safety concerns, the US government recently terminated hundreds of FAA probationary employees, including maintenance mechanics and technical assistants, as part of budget cuts. This decision, spearheaded by the Department of Government Efficiency under the Trump administration, has sparked debate about its impact on aviation safety and regulatory oversight.
