Dozens of passengers were forced to stand on the wing of an American Airlines plane at Denver International Airport after evacuating the aircraft Thursday evening.
This followed one of its engines catching fire, sending thick black smoke billowing into the air.
This incident is the latest in a series of concerning aviation emergencies, heightening fears among travelers.
American Airlines Flight 1006, a Boeing 737-800 traveling from Colorado Springs to Dallas-Fort Worth, was carrying 172 passengers and six crew members when it diverted to Denver around 5:15 p.m. local time after the crew reported “engine vibrations,” according to a statement from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
“After landing and while taxiing to the gate, an engine caught fire,” the FAA statement confirmed. The agency is currently investigating the incident.
Shortly before landing, the pilot notified air traffic controllers in Denver about the engine issues, although he emphasized it was not an emergency, based on air traffic control audio from LiveATC.net.
“American 1006, just to verify, not an emergency still, correct?” the controller inquired.
“Nah, we just have a high engine vibration, so we are cruising slower than normal,” the pilot replied.
The situation escalated quickly after landing when someone on the radio urgently shouted, “Mayday, Mayday, Mayday! Engine fire!”
The plane ultimately arrived at gate C38, a Denver International Airport spokesperson confirmed. The fire was extinguished, and all passengers were safely evacuated.
Images from the scene showed passengers exiting the plane and standing on the wing as smoke surrounded them. Some passengers used emergency slides to exit the aircraft, according to footage from Reuters.
Twelve passengers were taken to the hospital with minor injuries, the Denver Fire Department reported.
“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,” American Airlines said in a statement.
Kristal Leonard, a Montana woman waiting for a connecting flight, captured video of the incident from inside the airport. She saw large plumes of smoke coming from the plane and dozens of passengers fleeing the scene.
“I was terrified for those passengers,” Leonard told CNN. “I can’t even imagine how scared they must’ve been.”
Source: CNN
