(VitalNews.org) – Adding to the growing list of alarming aircraft emergencies across the nation, an American Airlines Boeing 737-800 caught fire at Denver International Airport.
Watch the video down below.
Six crew members and 172 passengers faced life-threatening danger when their Dallas-bound flight erupted in flames after diverting to Denver.
The flight from Colorado Springs to Dallas experienced “engine vibrations” mid-flight, forcing pilots to divert to Denver International Airport.
After landing safely, the situation took a dramatic turn when the aircraft caught fire while taxiing to the gate. Flames and smoke visibly erupted from beneath the right engine.
As the situation rapidly deteriorated, passengers were forced to evacuate using emergency slides, the overwing exit, and a portable staircase.
First responders acted quickly to extinguish the fire, but not before twelve people suffered injuries requiring hospitalization.
This incident is the latest in a concerning pattern of aviation safety issues occurring under Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg’s watch.
A passenger on the flight, Gabrielle Hibbitts, described a terrifying scene with “a burning plastic smell” that triggered panic among passengers.
Her relative, Ingrid Hibbitts, expressed relief that the emergency happened on the ground rather than at 30,000 feet, a scenario that could have proven catastrophic for everyone aboard.
American Airlines attempted to downplay the incident, stating: “After landing safely and taxiing to the gate at Denver International Airport, American Airlines Flight 1006 experienced an engine-related issue.”
“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,” said a spokesperson for the airline.
This sanitized corporate language hardly captures the terror experienced by passengers facing a potential inferno.
As of now, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is investigating the incident.
Transportation safety analyst Robert Sumwalt highlighted the importance of well-trained personnel in such emergencies.
American Airlines arranged a replacement aircraft for passengers to continue their journey to Dallas Fort-Worth.
Still, this gesture does little to address growing concerns about airline safety and maintenance practices.
With the busy summer travel season approaching, this latest incident serves as a stark reminder of how quickly a routine flight can turn into a life-threatening emergency.
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