Passengers aboard an American Airlines flight faced a harrowing evacuation at a Colorado airport after a fire erupted on the aircraft, sending smoke into the sky. Eyewitness footage captured the scene as passengers scrambled onto the wing of the Boeing airliner, many clutching their belongings, while flames flickered dangerously close to the aircraft’s body.
Incident details and emergency response
The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported that passengers utilized inflatable slides to safely exit the plane at Denver International Airport. An investigation into the fire has been initiated by the FAA. Fortunately, there were no significant injuries reported; however, the airport confirmed that 12 individuals were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment of minor injuries.
The flight had originated from Colorado Springs and was en route to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport in Texas when it diverted to Denver at approximately 5:15 PM local time (11:15 PM GMT) due to reports of “engine vibrations.” Following its landing, the aircraft caught fire while taxiing on the tarmac.
According to American Airlines, the flight was carrying 172 passengers along with six crew members, all of whom were successfully evacuated. The airline confirmed that the aircraft involved was a Boeing 737-800 which experienced an “engine-related issue.”
Visual chaos and reactions
Witnesses at the airport reported seeing smoke and flames rising from the aircraft, with airport spokesman Michael Konopasek noting that the fire was extinguished and did not disrupt other flights. On social media, some passengers shared videos demonstrating the chaos, with clips showing evacuees walking toward the wing as plumes of black smoke enveloped the area.
Ground crew members were seen rapidly approaching the wing with ladders to assist in the evacuation. Footage also depicted flames billowing from under the plane’s right engine as an inflatable slide was deployed at the rear door, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
This incident adds to a series of recent aviation safety concerns in North America. A tragic mid-air collision in Washington, D.C., resulted in the deaths of 67 people when an American Airlines regional jet collided with a US Army Black Hawk helicopter. This disaster raised critical questions regarding air traffic control staffing and operational pressures.
Moreover, the administration under former President Donald Trump has faced scrutiny for terminating hundreds of FAA probationary employees as part of budget cuts, which followed closely after the fatal DC incident. Among those laid off were maintenance personnel, environmental compliance specialists, and technical staff, raising alarms about the potential impact on aviation safety.