American Airlines jet catches fire at Denver airport, passengers evacuated
Twelve people taken to hospitals with minor injuries after Boeing 737-800 catches fire at Denver airport gate
An engine on an American Airlines jet caught fire after the plane diverted to Denver on Thursday, forcing the evacuation of passengers using emergency slides, the Federal Aviation Administration said.
The airline said all 172 passengers and six crew members had exited the plane, though Denver International Airport said 12 people were transported to hospitals with minor injuries.
American Airlines Flight 1006 from Colorado Springs on a Boeing 737-800 landed in Denver around 5.15pm, diverting from its planned destination of Dallas after the crew reported engine vibrations, the FAA said.
Several dramatic videos of passengers standing on the wing of the plane as smoke poured out of the engine were posted on social media.
American Airlines said the plane had landed safely and taxied to the gate when it experienced an “engine-related issue”.
“We were near (gate) B44, just landed from Pittsburgh. We stopped by the windows for a second and saw a flash of sudden fire, followed by a tonne of smoke,” said witness Aaron Clark.