An American Airlines plane suddenly burst into flames after it diverted to Denver International Airport on Thursday night — forcing evacuating passengers onto the wing of the aircraft as thick, black smoke covered the tarmac.
The Texas-bound Boeing 737-800 was rerouted to the airport shortly after taking off from Colorado Springs when crew members reported engine vibrations, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.
An American Airlines plane caught fire at Denver International Airport on Thursday. Collin Rugg/X
Passengers were forced to stand on one of the plane’s wings as smoke billowed. Stone/XAmerican Airlines Flight 1006, carrying 172 passengers and six crew members, touched down in Denver around 5:15 p.m. and the plane’s engine caught fire as it was taxiing on the tarmac, the FAA and airline said.
Passengers were evacuated using the slides, the federal agency said.
Twelve people suffered minor injuries and were transported to local hospitals for treatment, the airport confirmed on X.
Videos shared on social media showed flames and smoke consuming the aircraft as airport crews worked to extinguish the frightening blaze.
Passengers were evacuated from the plane. Collin Rugg/X
Smoke could be seen pouring out of the plane. Collin Rugg/XAnother video from inside the airport also showed passengers standing on the wing of the aircraft as smoke billowed.
It’s not clear how the fire started.
The FAA will investigate.
