All 172 passengers and crew aboard were safely evacuated with minor injuries reported, sparking an investigation into the incident by the FAA.
Passengers Evacuate From Burning American Airlines Jet in Colorado

Passengers Evacuate From Burning American Airlines Jet in Colorado
A fire broke out on an American Airlines flight, prompting passengers to evacuate onto the wing amid dramatic scenes captured on video.
An unsettling scene unfolded at Denver International Airport when an American Airlines flight was forced to make an emergency landing due to engine vibrations, subsequently leading to a fire on the tarmac. Eyewitness footage depicted anxious passengers huddled on the wing of the Boeing 737-800 while flames flickered dangerously close to the aircraft’s body. The incident, occurring shortly after the plane diverted from its original route due to technical issues, drew immediate response from emergency personnel.
Twelve individuals were treated for minor injuries after the successful deployment of inflatable evacuation slides, according to the FAA. The airliner, en route from Colorado Springs to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, landed safely at around 17:15 local time. The flames were reported to have erupted while the plane was taxiing, generating significant smoke visible from various parts of the airport.
American Airlines confirmed that, despite the fiery circumstances, all passengers and crew had been safely removed from the aircraft. Following the incident, swift action from the ground crew enabled the fire to be extinguished without causing disruptions to other flights. However, the event raised alarms regarding aviation safety in light of recent accidents, including a tragic mid-air collision in Washington, D.C., which was linked to air traffic control shortages exacerbated by recent governmental staffing cuts.
This latest incident is sparking renewed scrutiny within the aviation industry as the FAA initiates an investigation into the cause of the engine-related issues that led to this alarming situation. The incident underscores the growing concerns surrounding flight safety and air traffic management amid ongoing reports of high-profile aviation incidents in North America.