American Airlines Catches Fire, 12 injured

An American Airlines flight with 178 people on board caught fire on the tarmac Thursday evening after making an emergency landing at Denver International Airport, forcing passengers to evacuate via emergency slides and onto the plane’s wing. Twelve passengers were taken to a hospital with minor injuries, though all on board were safely evacuated, according to airport officials.

The incident occurred just before 6 p.m. Mountain Time when the Boeing 737-800, operating as Flight 1006 from Colorado Springs to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, diverted to Denver due to an apparent engine issue. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) stated that the crew had reported engine vibrations during the flight.

"After landing and while taxiing to the gate, an engine caught fire, and passengers evacuated the aircraft using the slides," the FAA said in a statement.

American Airlines confirmed the incident, describing it as an "engine-related issue" that occurred after the plane had landed and was taxiing to the gate. All 172 passengers and six crew members were safely evacuated and relocated to the terminal. The aircraft was parked at Gate C38 in Concourse C.

Videos shared on social media captured flames shooting from the engine and passengers climbing onto the wing as thick smoke engulfed the plane. Emergency responders quickly extinguished the fire, and no serious injuries were reported.

A family member of one of the passengers told CBS News Colorado that all luggage was removed from the plane, and passengers were being rebooked on a replacement flight scheduled to depart Denver for Dallas at 1 a.m. local time Friday. American Airlines later confirmed that a replacement aircraft and crew were being sent to transport passengers to their destination.

Robert Sumwalt, former chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), emphasized the importance of well-trained personnel in ensuring passenger safety during such emergencies.

"This incident highlights the critical role of well-trained pilots, flight attendants, airport rescue and firefighting personnel, and air traffic controllers working together to achieve a safe outcome," Sumwalt said.

He added that the FAA’s investigation will likely focus on the timing and origin of the fire. "Understanding exactly when the smoke started and why it began filling the cabin as the plane reached the gate will be a key part of the investigation," Sumwalt noted.

The incident serves as a reminder of the complexities of aviation safety, even as industry standards continue to prioritize passenger well-being. American Airlines has not yet released additional details about the cause of the engine issue but confirmed its full cooperation with the ongoing investigation.