Passengers aboard an American Airlines Boeing 737-800 were safely evacuated onto the tarmac at Denver International Airport after smoke filled the cabin due to an engine-related fire. Eyewitness footage captured scenes of travelers huddled on the wing, as smoke and flames were visible near the rear of the plane. The flight, which originated from Colorado Springs, was en route to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport when it experienced an engine malfunction prompting an emergency landing around 5:15 PM local time (23:15 GMT).
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has initiated an investigation into the incident following reports of engine vibrations. While there were no serious injuries reported, twelve individuals were transported to hospitals with minor injuries. American Airlines confirmed that there were 172 passengers and six crew members on board, all of whom were evacuating safely using inflatable slides provided during the emergency.
Airport spokesperson Michael Konopasek noted that flames were visible from different terminals, yet the fire was quenched without causing delays to other flights. Videos circulating on social media showed ground crew rushing to assist passengers, as large clouds of black smoke wafted from the aircraft.
This event raises further concerns about aviation safety, especially following a recent tragic accident involving an American Airlines regional jet and a U.S. Army helicopter in Washington D.C., which resulted in 67 fatalities and provoked inquiries regarding the adequacy of air traffic control staffing and government spending cuts that have affected the FAA workforce.
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has initiated an investigation into the incident following reports of engine vibrations. While there were no serious injuries reported, twelve individuals were transported to hospitals with minor injuries. American Airlines confirmed that there were 172 passengers and six crew members on board, all of whom were evacuating safely using inflatable slides provided during the emergency.
Airport spokesperson Michael Konopasek noted that flames were visible from different terminals, yet the fire was quenched without causing delays to other flights. Videos circulating on social media showed ground crew rushing to assist passengers, as large clouds of black smoke wafted from the aircraft.
This event raises further concerns about aviation safety, especially following a recent tragic accident involving an American Airlines regional jet and a U.S. Army helicopter in Washington D.C., which resulted in 67 fatalities and provoked inquiries regarding the adequacy of air traffic control staffing and government spending cuts that have affected the FAA workforce.
