Passengers on an American Airlines flight were safely evacuated onto the tarmac of Denver International Airport after a fire ignited in the aircraft. Eyewitnesses captured footage of passengers standing on the wing of the Boeing 737-800, as black smoke enveloped the air, and flames were seen near the bottom of the plane. The incident occurred shortly after the flight, carrying 172 passengers and six crew members, diverted to Denver at approximately 17:15 local time due to reported "engine vibrations".
According to the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), inflatable slides were deployed for a safe evacuation as flames flared while the plane was taxiing. Thankfully, no serious injuries were reported; however, 12 individuals were treated for minor injuries and transported to nearby hospitals.
American Airlines confirmed that the flight had originated in Colorado Springs and was destined for Dallas Fort Worth International Airport. The cause of the fire, which became visible from different airport gates, is under investigation by the FAA, focusing on an "engine-related issue."
Eyewitness videos shared on social media depicted the urgency as ground crews rushed towards the wing, hurriedly setting up ladders to assist passengers. As flames were managed, the incident recalled recent aviation safety concerns following a fatal accident in Washington D.C. that raised alarms about the air traffic control system and staffing shortages. Reports indicate that the American Airlines regional jet crash that resulted in 67 fatalities has intensified scrutiny over the FAA’s operational efficiency and budget cuts resulting in workforce reductions.
As the investigation unfolds, this incident has spotlighted ongoing issues regarding aviation safety and regulatory oversight in the U.S.
According to the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), inflatable slides were deployed for a safe evacuation as flames flared while the plane was taxiing. Thankfully, no serious injuries were reported; however, 12 individuals were treated for minor injuries and transported to nearby hospitals.
American Airlines confirmed that the flight had originated in Colorado Springs and was destined for Dallas Fort Worth International Airport. The cause of the fire, which became visible from different airport gates, is under investigation by the FAA, focusing on an "engine-related issue."
Eyewitness videos shared on social media depicted the urgency as ground crews rushed towards the wing, hurriedly setting up ladders to assist passengers. As flames were managed, the incident recalled recent aviation safety concerns following a fatal accident in Washington D.C. that raised alarms about the air traffic control system and staffing shortages. Reports indicate that the American Airlines regional jet crash that resulted in 67 fatalities has intensified scrutiny over the FAA’s operational efficiency and budget cuts resulting in workforce reductions.
As the investigation unfolds, this incident has spotlighted ongoing issues regarding aviation safety and regulatory oversight in the U.S.
