An alarming incident unfolded at Denver International Airport when an American Airlines flight experienced an engine failure, leading to a fire and a mass evacuation of passengers. A video shared on social media captured the tense moments as passengers, some clutching their belongings, made their way onto the wing of the Boeing 737-800, which was engulfed in smoke and flames near its engine. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that the plane, carrying 172 passengers and six crew members, had taken off from Colorado Springs, heading towards Dallas Fort Worth International Airport.
The flight diverted to Denver shortly after departure around 17:15 local time (23:15 GMT) due to reported "engine vibrations." While taxiing on the tarmac, the aircraft caught fire, prompting immediate emergency protocols. Passengers utilized inflatable evacuation slides to exit safely, while airport personnel rushed to assist. Although 12 individuals were taken to the hospital for minor injuries, officials stated that everyone onboard was evacuated without serious harm.
Airport spokesperson Michael Konopasek noted that the fire was extinguished promptly and did not disrupt other flights at the busy airport. Eyewitnesses within the airport documented the chaos as clouds of thick black smoke billowed into the sky. This incident follows a concerning trend of aviation safety issues in North America, especially following a tragic mid-air collision in Washington DC that claimed 67 lives. Such events have reignited discussions about the need for greater oversight and attention to air traffic control operations. The FAA has faced scrutiny, particularly after government layoffs impacted crucial safety positions amid a push for reduced spending spearheaded by the Trump administration and tech billionaire Elon Musk.
