Passengers Evacuated as American Airlines Flight Catches Fire in Denver
Passengers aboard an American Airlines flight were forced to evacuate onto the tarmac of Denver International Airport after a fire broke out on the plane, sending thick smoke billowing into the air.
Terrifying Moments on the Tarmac
Video footage captured the chaotic evacuation, showing passengers huddled on the wing of the Boeing 737-800, some clutching their carry-on bags as flames burned near the aircraft’s right engine.
According to the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), passengers escaped safely using inflatable emergency slides. The agency has launched an investigation into the cause of the fire.
While no serious injuries were reported, 12 passengers were taken to the hospital with minor injuries, the airport confirmed.
Emergency Landing in Denver
The flight had departed from Colorado Springs, bound for Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, before the crew detected engine vibrations, the FAA said.
At 5:15 PM local time (23:15 GMT), the pilot diverted the plane to Denver, where it landed safely. However, while taxiing on the tarmac, the aircraft caught fire, prompting an urgent evacuation.
Airport Officials Respond
American Airlines confirmed the plane had 172 passengers and six crew members onboard. Fortunately, everyone was evacuated safely.
Airport spokesman Michael Konopasek stated that smoke and flames were visible from multiple gates. Fire crews quickly extinguished the blaze, and the incident did not cause delays for other flights.
Videos posted on social media showed thick black smoke engulfing the aircraft as ground crew members rushed to assist passengers descending from the wing using ladders.
Rising Aviation Safety Concerns
The fire incident comes amid growing concerns over aviation safety following a series of recent accidents in North America.
One of the deadliest recent crashes occurred in Washington, D.C., where 67 people were killed when an American Airlines regional jet collided mid-air with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter. The tragedy sparked debate over air traffic controller shortages and excessive workloads.
Adding to concerns, the Trump administration recently terminated hundreds of FAA probationary workers, including maintenance mechanics, environmental compliance workers, and technical assistants, as part of a cost-cutting initiative.
Tech billionaire Elon Musk has been leading government efficiency efforts under the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which has pushed for FAA budget reductions.
The layoffs came just weeks after the deadly D.C. crash, raising further questions about the state of aviation safety in the U.S.
FAA Investigation Underway
The FAA has yet to determine the exact cause of the engine fire in Denver but has promised a thorough investigation.
Passengers and aviation experts alike are calling for stricter safety regulations to prevent further incidents.
