A terrifying incident unfolded at Denver International Airport on Thursday evening when an American Airlines jet caught fire after landing, forcing a dramatic evacuation of passengers using emergency slides.
What Happened?
American Airlines Flight 1006, a Boeing 737-800, was traveling from Colorado Springs to Dallas when the crew noticed unusual engine vibrations mid-flight. As a precaution, the pilots diverted to Denver, where the plane safely landed at 5:15 PM (local time). But just moments later, one of the aircraft’s engines caught fire, sending thick smoke billowing into the air.
Passengers Rush to Escape
The sudden fire triggered an emergency evacuation, with all 172 passengers and six crew members sliding down the inflatable emergency chutes. Some terrified passengers were seen standing on the aircraft’s wing, waiting for further instructions as airport firefighters rushed to put out the flames.
Denver International Airport confirmed that 12 people were taken to hospitals with minor injuries, though the rest escaped unharmed.
Eyewitness Account: “A Flash of Fire, Then Smoke Everywhere”
A witness at the airport, Aaron Clark, described the chilling moment:
“We had just landed from Pittsburgh when we saw a sudden flash of fire from the plane’s engine. Then came thick smoke. Fire crews responded fast, but by then, passengers were already escaping from the emergency slides.”
What Caused the Fire?
The aircraft was equipped with two CFM56 engines, built by GE and Safran’s CFM International. While the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) has launched an investigation, American Airlines simply called it an “engine-related issue.”
Boeing’s Troubled Streak Continues
This latest aviation scare comes amid growing concerns over U.S. aviation safety. Other recent incidents include:
- A Delta Air Lines jet flipping over after landing in Toronto last month.
- A deadly mid-air collision involving an American Airlines regional jet and an Army helicopter, killing 67 people in January.
What’s Next?
The FAA and airline officials are working to determine why the engine malfunctioned. Meanwhile, passengers are counting their blessings that the plane had already landed before the fire broke out.
As for Boeing and American Airlines? They’ve declined to comment—but the world is watching.
