An American Airlines Boeing 737-800 caught fire after making an emergency landing at Denver International Airport on Thursday evening. The flight, originally bound for Dallas-Fort Worth from Colorado Springs, was diverted due to engine vibrations.
All 172 passengers and six crew members evacuated safely using emergency slides, with no serious injuries reported. Photos and videos from the scene show passengers standing on the plane’s wing as thick smoke billowed around them.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that the engine ignited while the aircraft was taxiing to the gate. Firefighters responded swiftly, extinguishing the flames before they could spread. Twelve passengers sustained minor injuries and were taken to the hospital as a precaution.
Kristal Leonard, a witness inside the terminal, captured video of the burning aircraft. “I was terrified for those passengers,” she said. “I can’t even imagine how scared they must’ve been.”
The incident comes just weeks after a Delta Air Lines plane crashed and caught fire at Toronto Pearson International Airport, raising further concerns about aviation safety. The FAA has launched an investigation into the cause of the engine fire.
American Airlines praised the crew, airport staff, and emergency responders for their quick actions, ensuring a safe evacuation.
