A dramatic scene unfolded at Denver International Airport as smoke and flames erupted from an American Airlines jet, prompting a swift evacuation of 178 passengers and crew.
American Airlines Flight Evacuated Amid Fire Scare at Denver Airport
American Airlines Flight Evacuated Amid Fire Scare at Denver Airport
Passengers safely evacuated after a plane caught fire; investigation launched.
Following a concerning incident involving smoke emanating from an American Airlines flight, passengers were urgently evacuated onto the wing of a Boeing 737-800. The evacuation took place at Denver International Airport, where video footage revealed passengers huddled together on the wing, bags in hand, while flames flickered near the aircraft's engine. The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that the crew had reported "engine vibrations" prior to landing at around 5:15 PM local time, leading to a fire while the plane was taxiing on the tarmac.
Fortunately, all 172 passengers and six crew members were evacuated without serious injuries. However, reports indicated that twelve individuals required hospital treatment for minor injuries. The incident prompted American Airlines to confirm that an investigation into the engine-related issue was underway as smoke and flames became visible from various vantage points within the airport, stirring public concern.
The quick action of ground crews who deployed inflatable slides to facilitate the passengers' descent resulted in a safe evacuation. Although smoke filled the air, affecting visibility, the fire was quickly contained and did not disrupt other flights at the airport.
This event follows a worrying trend in aviation safety incidents in North America, including a tragic mid-air collision in Washington DC that claimed the lives of 67 people, intensifying scrutiny over air traffic control capacities and staffing challenges. In a bid to streamline government expenditure, recent layoffs at the FAA, including vital operational staff, have raised alarms about the potential ramifications for air safety.
Additional reporting by Kayla Epstein.
Fortunately, all 172 passengers and six crew members were evacuated without serious injuries. However, reports indicated that twelve individuals required hospital treatment for minor injuries. The incident prompted American Airlines to confirm that an investigation into the engine-related issue was underway as smoke and flames became visible from various vantage points within the airport, stirring public concern.
The quick action of ground crews who deployed inflatable slides to facilitate the passengers' descent resulted in a safe evacuation. Although smoke filled the air, affecting visibility, the fire was quickly contained and did not disrupt other flights at the airport.
This event follows a worrying trend in aviation safety incidents in North America, including a tragic mid-air collision in Washington DC that claimed the lives of 67 people, intensifying scrutiny over air traffic control capacities and staffing challenges. In a bid to streamline government expenditure, recent layoffs at the FAA, including vital operational staff, have raised alarms about the potential ramifications for air safety.
Additional reporting by Kayla Epstein.
