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Panic ensued at Denver International Airport on Thursday when an American Airlines flight was forced to evacuate after catching fire on the tarmac. Thick black smoke billowed into the sky as flames burned beneath the aircraft, prompting emergency responders to take swift action.
The Boeing 737-800 had been en route from Colorado Springs to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport when it was diverted to Denver at approximately 5:15 p.m. local time. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the flight crew had reported “engine vibrations” shortly before the unscheduled landing.
Although the landing itself was uneventful, disaster struck as the aircraft taxied toward the terminal. Passengers onboard quickly noticed smoke and flames near the right engine, triggering an immediate evacuation. Footage from the scene showed travelers scrambling onto the wings, some clutching their carry-on bags, while others slid down inflatable emergency slides to reach the tarmac.
“There was smoke everywhere, and we just had to get out,” one passenger told local media. “It was terrifying, but the crew handled it well.”
Despite the chaotic scene, all 172 passengers and six crew members were safely evacuated. Twelve people sustained minor injuries and were transported to local hospitals, but no serious injuries were reported.
Airport spokesperson Michael Konopasek confirmed that the fire was swiftly extinguished, preventing further disruptions to airport operations. “Fire crews acted immediately, and there was no significant impact on other flights,” he said.
The FAA has launched an investigation into the incident, with preliminary reports suggesting an “engine-related issue.” American Airlines has not disclosed further details but assured the public that passenger safety remains its top priority.
This latest aviation scare comes amid heightened concerns about flight safety in North America. A recent string of high-profile incidents, including a deadly mid-air collision in Washington, D.C., has placed scrutiny on the aviation industry’s safety standards. The crash, which involved an American Airlines regional jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter, resulted in 67 fatalities and raised questions about air traffic controller shortages.
Compounding the issue, recent layoffs at the FAA—part of government cost-cutting measures—have reduced staffing levels in critical areas such as maintenance and air traffic control. The Trump administration, under its Department of Government Efficiency (Doge) initiative, has significantly trimmed federal spending, a move critics argue may be affecting aviation safety oversight.
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