An American Airlines flight, originally destined for Texas, was compelled to execute an emergency landing at Denver International Airport on Thursday evening due to an engine fire. The Boeing 737-800, which had initially departed from Colorado Springs, was redirected to Denver after the crew reported engine vibrations, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
The aircraft, identified as American Airlines Flight 1006, was transporting 172 passengers and six crew members. It touched down in Denver at approximately 5:15 p.m., and the engine fire ignited while the plane was taxiing on the runway. Both the FAA and the airline confirmed these details.
In reaction to the fire, passengers were swiftly evacuated onto the aircraft’s wing as dense black smoke filled the surrounding air. The federal agency reported that the evacuation was conducted using the plane’s slides.
Thankfully, there were no reported injuries following the incident. The plane was initially scheduled to arrive at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport.
Social media was flooded with videos of the incident, showing the aircraft engulfed in flames and smoke. Airport crews were captured working tirelessly to extinguish the fire. Another video, shot from within the airport, depicted passengers standing on the wing of the plane, surrounded by billowing smoke.
The cause of the fire remains undetermined. The FAA has initiated an investigation into the incident to ascertain the root cause and to ensure the safety of future flights.