Passengers injure as American Airlines plane catches fire in Denver
- An American Airlines Boeing 737-800 caught fire after reporting engine vibrations during a flight from Colorado Springs to Dallas Fort Worth.
- Passengers evacuated using emergency slides and by climbing onto the wings as thick smoke billowed from the aircraft.
- All 178 passengers and crew members were safely evacuated, but twelve individuals sustained minor injuries and were hospitalized.
On March 13th, 2025, an emergency incident unfolded at Denver International Airport in the United States when an American Airlines flight caught fire shortly after landing. The aircraft, a Boeing 737-800, was originally on a route from Colorado Springs to Dallas Fort Worth but was diverted to Denver due to reported engine vibrations. As the plane taxied, an engine caught fire, leading to a chaotic evacuation. Passengers quickly exited the aircraft using emergency slides and by climbing onto the wings, creating a dramatic scene amid thick black smoke. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported that the fire started just before 6 p.m. Mountain Time, resulting in emergency services responding promptly to the scene. Videos shared on social media captured the alarming sight of flames and passengers escaping from the aircraft, highlighting the urgency of the situation. Following the incident, eight passengers were treated for minor injuries, with twelve individuals ultimately requiring transport to a local hospital for further examination. Fortunately, all onboard were evacuated safely, and a full investigation was initiated to determine the cause of the fire. In the immediate aftermath, American Airlines communicated their commitment to passenger safety, stating that the aircraft experienced engine-related issues after landing, prompting the emergency measures. Following the incident, all luggage was removed from the plane, and efforts were made to rebook the passengers on another flight scheduled later that night. Witness accounts described the scene as surreal, underlining the emotional strain experienced by those onboard. One passenger noted the alarming smell of burning plastic as the situation unfolded, while another reflected on the different outcome had the incident occurred in mid-air. As part of the investigation, FAA officials emphasized the importance of understanding when the fire started and the dynamics of how the smoke entered the passenger cabin during taxiing. The event sparked discussions about air safety protocols, particularly regarding engine malfunctions and the efficiency of emergency evacuations. The investigation's results are expected to provide insights that may enhance safety measures for future flights, aiming to prevent such incidents from occurring again in the future.