Passengers on an American Airlines flight were evacuated onto the tarmac of Denver International Airport after a fire erupted on the aircraft, creating a dramatic scene with smoke filling the air. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Images from the evacuation displayed passengers gathering on the wing of the Boeing jet, some clutching their bags, as flames flickered near the bottom of the plane. The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported that passengers used inflatable slides to safely exit the aircraft.
The flight, which originated from Colorado Springs and was headed to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, had to divert to Denver around 5:15 PM local time after the crew reported “engine vibrations.” Upon landing, the aircraft caught fire while taxiing on the tarmac.
American Airlines confirmed that there were 172 passengers aboard, along with six crew members, all of whom were evacuated without incident. They stated that the affected aircraft was a Boeing 737-800 and that it experienced an “engine-related issue.”
Airport spokesman Michael Konopasek noted that smoke and flames were visible from various points within the airport, but the fire was extinguished, and it did not cause delays for other flights.
Videos circulated on social media showing passengers cautiously walking along the wing as thick black smoke billowed behind them, with ground crew rushing to assist using ladders. Active flames were visible beneath the plane’s right engine as evacuation efforts proceeded.
This incident follows a number of aviation safety concerns in North America, including a recent fatal crash in Washington DC that resulted in 67 fatalities when an American Airlines regional jet collided mid-air with a US Army Black Hawk helicopter. This crash sparked discussions about air traffic controller shortages and their increasing workload.
The Trump administration has also made cuts to the FAA, terminating hundreds of probationary workers involved in maintenance and compliance roles, which occurred shortly after the tragic DC incident. With ongoing efforts to reduce government spending, such developments leave many questioning aviation safety and operational capabilities in the industry.
Credit: BBC News
