An American Airlines Boeing 737-800 caught fire after landing at Denver International Airport on Thursday, prompting an emergency evacuation. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that the aircraft, carrying 172 passengers and six crew members, diverted to Denver after experiencing “engine vibrations” mid-flight.
Dramatic video footage shared on social media showed thick smoke billowing around the aircraft as passengers stood on its wing while emergency crews responded. The fire broke out while the plane was taxiing to the gate, forcing passengers to evacuate using emergency slides. Denver International Airport confirmed in a statement that 12 people were transported to hospitals with minor injuries.
Flight Diverts Due to Engine Vibrations
American Airlines Flight 1006 was en route from Colorado Springs to Dallas-Fort Worth when the crew reported engine issues and decided to divert to Denver. The aircraft landed safely at approximately 5:15 p.m. local time. A passenger near the gate, Aaron Clark, witnessed the incident and described seeing a “sudden flash of fire” followed by heavy smoke. He noted that the fire appeared to have been quickly extinguished by ground crews, though the smoke persisted as passengers exited the aircraft.
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Investigation Underway Amid Rising Safety Concerns
The FAA has launched an investigation into the incident. The aircraft was equipped with two CFM56 engines, manufactured by CFM International, a joint venture between GE and Safran. Both Boeing and GE declined to comment on the matter.
This fire is the latest in a string of recent aviation incidents that have raised concerns about air travel safety in the U.S. In January, an American Airlines regional jet collided mid-air with an Army helicopter, killing 67 people. Additionally, a Delta Air Lines regional jet flipped upside down while landing in Toronto last month, injuring 18 passengers. American Airlines CEO Robert Isom and Delta CEO Ed Bastian recently pointed to these incidents, along with weather-related disruptions, as factors impacting traveler confidence.
Quick Response by Emergency Crews
American Airlines praised its crew members and emergency responders for their swift actions in ensuring passenger safety. “We thank our crew members, DEN team, and first responders for their quick and decisive action with the safety of everyone on board and on the ground as the priority,” the airline said in a statement. Firefighters successfully extinguished the blaze by the evening, and normal airport operations resumed without major disruptions.
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The incident comes amid growing concerns about aviation safety and regulatory oversight in the U.S. Several high-profile accidents in recent months have sparked debates about maintenance practices and cost-cutting measures within the aviation industry. Despite these incidents, experts continue to emphasize that commercial air travel remains one of the safest modes of transportation. However, the frequency of recent accidents and close calls has prompted increased scrutiny from aviation authorities and the public. The FAA has assured that a full investigation will be conducted to determine the cause of the engine fire and assess any potential safety risks.