- विज्ञापन -
Colorado: An American Airlines flight with 178 people aboard caught fire on the tarmac at Denver International Airport on Thursday evening, triggering a swift evacuation of passengers. The Boeing 737-800 had made an emergency landing after experiencing engine issues mid-flight, CBS News reported.
Shortly after landing and while taxiing toward the gate, one of the engines ignited, causing flames to erupt from the aircraft. Passengers were forced to evacuate by climbing out onto the wing until emergency crews arrived. Airport officials confirmed that 12 passengers sustained minor injuries and were taken to the hospital, while the fire was quickly contained.
The incident occurred just before 6 p.m. Mountain Time when Flight 1006, originally departing from Colorado Springs Airport and en route to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, was diverted to Denver due to engine vibrations. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) later confirmed that the crew identified the problem mid-flight, leading to the emergency landing. As the aircraft taxied toward the terminal, one engine caught fire, prompting an evacuation via inflatable slides. The FAA has initiated an investigation to determine whether the fire started mid-flight or after landing.
American Airlines confirmed that all 172 passengers and six crew members safely exited the plane. The aircraft came to a stop at Gate C38 in Concourse C, where emergency responders quickly extinguished the flames.
Social media footage captured the tense moments, showing thick smoke and flames pouring from the plane as passengers scrambled to escape by climbing onto the wing. The airport’s fire department contained the situation within minutes. A family member of one of the passengers informed CBS News that luggage had been removed from the plane, and affected travelers were rebooked on a replacement flight set to depart for Dallas at 1 a.m. Friday. American Airlines later confirmed that a new plane and crew had been arranged to complete the journey.
