DENVER — An American Airlines aircraft encountered an engine fire upon landing at Denver International Airport on Thursday, resulting in twelve passengers being taken to hospitals for minor injuries. According to a social media statement from Denver International Airport, passengers evacuated swiftly using emergency slides.
The incident involved Flight 1006, which had originally taken off from Colorado Springs Airport en route to Dallas Fort Worth. The plane was diverted to Denver after the crew noticed engine vibrations, as stated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Touching down safely at approximately 5:15 p.m., the Boeing 737-800 encountered an engine fire while taxiing to its gate.
Video footage and photographs from the scene depicted a scenario of passengers positioned on the plane’s wing, enveloped by smoke. The FAA confirmed the use of emergency slides for evacuation. An announcement from American Airlines explained that the aircraft faced an engine issue after its arrival at the gate. However, details about the precise timing of the fire’s onset were not immediately available.
The airline reported that all 172 passengers, along with six crew members, were safely directed to the terminal. An American Airlines spokesperson expressed gratitude, saying, “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.”
By evening, the fire was extinguished by firefighters, noted an airport representative in discussions with the media. Further investigations into the incident are to be conducted by the FAA.
This event emerges amidst a backdrop of recent aviation challenges, contributing to renewed concerns over air travel safety. Despite being a highly secure mode of transportation, recent issues include an aircraft flipping upon landing in Toronto and a Japan Airlines plane colliding with a stationary Delta plane while maneuvering at Seattle airport.