Passengers aboard an American Airlines Boeing 737-800 faced a terrifying ordeal on Thursday evening when their aircraft caught fire upon landing at Denver International Airport. Flight 1006, which had departed from Colorado Springs en route to Dallas Fort Worth, was forced to divert to Denver after pilots detected severe engine vibrations mid-flight.
Upon landing at 5:15 p.m., what was initially an emergency diversion quickly escalated into a full-blown crisis when one of the aircraft’s engines burst into flames as it taxied toward the gate. Thick black smoke billowed from the wing, sending passengers into a frenzy as the cabin crew ordered an immediate evacuation.
BREAKING: An American Airlines plane caught fire at Denver International Airport forcing passengers running.
Why does it seem like airline safety is plummeting under Trump? Maybe it’s because he’s making cuts to airline safety? pic.twitter.com/en9sK1hHuJ
Videos shared across social media captured the sheer panic, with passengers climbing onto the aircraft’s wing as emergency slides deployed. First responders rushed to the scene, extinguishing the flames while terrified travelers scrambled to exit the burning plane.
Reports indicate that twelve passengers sustained minor injuries during the evacuation, including scrapes and sprains, as they rushed to escape the aircraft. Emergency crews quickly transported them to local hospitals for medical attention.
People evaluating an American Airlines plane that’s on fire at Denver Airport….what is happening pic.twitter.com/TZw23gqK1N
FAA Investigation Underway
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched a formal investigation into the incident to determine the cause of the engine failure and subsequent fire. Early reports suggest a mechanical malfunction, but officials have yet to release definitive findings.
This latest incident adds to a troubling series of aviation emergencies in recent months, raising concerns about aircraft maintenance, safety protocols, and potential lapses in oversight. American Airlines has yet to release a full statement on the cause of the fire, though they confirmed that they are cooperating with authorities in the ongoing investigation.
For the 172 passengers and six crew members aboard Flight 1006, what started as a routine trip turned into a nightmare scenario that will haunt them for years. As aviation safety remains under scrutiny, this latest fire incident is a stark reminder of the unpredictable dangers of air travel and the heroic efforts of emergency crews who ensure passengers make it out alive.