Colorado: An American Airlines flight was forced to make an emergency landing at Denver International Airport after a fire broke out while taxiing on the runway. The aircraft, a Boeing 737-800, was en route from Colorado Springs to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport when the crew reported an engine malfunction at approximately 5:15 PM local time.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the pilots diverted the aircraft to Denver, where it landed safely. However, as the plane was taxiing, flames erupted from the aircraft, prompting an immediate evacuation.
American Airlines confirmed that 172 passengers and six crew members were on board. Fortunately, all individuals were evacuated safely. Emergency response teams swiftly deployed rubber evacuation slides to assist passengers in exiting the aircraft.
Eyewitness accounts and videos circulating on social media showed passengers standing on the aircraft’s wings, some holding their belongings, as smoke billowed into the sky. The fire was visibly burning under the plane’s right engine while emergency crews rushed to the scene with staircases and firefighting equipment.
Denver International Airport spokesperson Michael Konopasek stated that smoke and flames were visible from various terminals. However, the fire was quickly contained, and airport operations were not significantly affected.
This incident comes amid increasing concerns over aviation safety in U.S, following a deadly mid-air collision in Washington, D.C., which resulted in 67 fatalities. In that incident, an American Airlines jet crashed into a U.S. military Black Hawk helicopter in the sky.
Later five more incidents happens in different airports since early February, claiming lives of more than six individuals and leaving multiple injured.
The D.C. accident has sparked debates over air traffic controller shortages and heavy workloads. Following the tragedy, the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump implemented budget cuts that led to the dismissal of hundreds of FAA trainee employees. These layoffs occurred just weeks after the fatal crash, raising further questions about air traffic safety and regulatory oversight.
Authorities continue to investigate the Colorado fire incident, but no injuries have been reported.
