Emergency response teams mobilize as engine fire forces evacuation of Dallas-bound aircraft
A dramatic scene unfolded at Denver International Airport on Thursday when an American Airlines Boeing 737-800 experienced an engine fire shortly after landing, forcing passengers to evacuate onto the aircraft’s wing amid billowing smoke.
Emergency landing and evacuation
American Airlines Flight 1006, originally traveling from Colorado Springs to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, was diverted to Denver after crew members reported experiencing “engine vibrations,” according to a statement from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
“After landing and while taxiing to the gate, an engine caught fire, and passengers evacuated the aircraft using the slides,” the FAA said in a statement.
Video footage circulating on social media captured the tense moments as some of the 178 people aboard—172 passengers and six crew members—evacuated onto the aircraft’s wing while smoke poured from the damaged engine.
Injuries and response
While all passengers were safely evacuated from the aircraft, Denver International Airport confirmed via social media platform X that 12 individuals were transported to local hospitals with minor injuries.
The fire was quickly extinguished by emergency responders, preventing a potentially more serious incident.
“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 its statement following the incident.
Investigation underway
The exact cause of the engine fire remains under investigation. The airline reported that the aircraft “experienced an engine-related issue” as it was taxiing to the gate after completing its emergency landing.
Industry context
This incident occurs against a backdrop of heightened scrutiny of aviation safety following a series of incidents in recent months. It also comes amid concerns over attempts by US President Donald Trump’s administration to implement cost-cutting measures at US aviation regulatory agencies.
The aircraft involved, a Boeing 737-800, is not the same model as the troubled 737 MAX series that has faced intense scrutiny over safety issues in recent years, though this incident is likely to draw additional attention to Boeing’s manufacturing and safety protocols.
Aviation authorities will now work to determine the precise cause of the engine malfunction and fire as passengers recover from the harrowing experience that transformed a routine flight into an emergency evacuation.