“Flames Erupted, Smoke Billowed—Passengers Escaped Onto the Wing”
Colorado [US], March 14: A Boeing 737-800 operated by American Airlines caught fire on the tarmac at Denver International Airport, triggering a frantic evacuation of 178 passengers and crew members. The fire, which ignited shortly after the aircraft made an emergency landing due to engine trouble mid-flight, led to dramatic scenes as passengers scrambled onto the wing to escape.
đź“Ś How the Incident Unfolded
The incident occurred just before 6 pm (MT) when American Airlines Flight 1006, en route from Colorado Springs to Dallas Fort Worth, was diverted to Denver due to reported engine vibrations.
🔹 Moments after landing, while taxiing toward the terminal, one of its engines burst into flames, forcing an immediate evacuation via inflatable slides.
🔹 Passengers were seen climbing onto the wing as thick black smoke engulfed the aircraft.
🔹 12 passengers suffered minor injuries and were taken to the hospital, while firefighters swiftly brought the flames under control.
🚨 FAA & Airline Response
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that the crew had detected the engine issue mid-air, prompting the emergency landing.
📢 “We will conduct a full investigation into the cause of the fire and whether the issue originated mid-flight or upon landing,” the FAA said in a statement.
American Airlines also acknowledged the incident, clarifying that the aircraft encountered an “engine-related issue” after landing.
🔹 All 172 passengers and 6 crew members evacuated safely and were transported to the terminal.
🔹 The aircraft came to a halt at Gate C38 in Concourse C, where emergency teams quickly extinguished the flames.
📸 Social Media Footage Captures Chaos
Videos circulating on social media showed panicked passengers fleeing as flames erupted from the engine, with emergency crews rushing to the scene.
Eyewitnesses described “frightening moments” as smoke filled the cabin and passengers jumped onto the wing to escape.
🔄 Next Steps: Rebooking & Investigation
A family member of one of the passengers told CBS News Colorado that:
đź“Ś Luggage was safely removed from the aircraft.
đź“Ś A replacement flight was scheduled for 1 am (local time) to complete the journey to Dallas Fort Worth.
đź“Ś A new aircraft and crew were dispatched by American Airlines.
Meanwhile, FAA investigators and American Airlines engineers are conducting a detailed probe to determine the cause of the fire and assess potential safety concerns.
đź”– Tags:
American Airlines, Denver Airport Fire, Boeing 737-800, Emergency Landing, FAA Investigation, Aviation Safety, Flight 1006, Engine Fire, Passenger Evacuation, Airplane Fire, Airline Safety