American Airlines plane catches fire at Denver airport—All aboard evacuated safely

An American Airlines plane engine caught fire at Denver International Airport after being diverted there Thursday evening,CNN reports, as the aircraft was carrying passengers from Colorado Springs to Dallas. Smoke filled the area as passengers were forced to evacuate onto the aircraft's wing and down emergency slides.

According to the CNN report, the plane was diverted to Denver prior to the fire incident. The situation required immediate action from crew members and first responders who worked quickly to ensure passenger safety during this alarming event. As this information comes directly from CNN's coverage, it provides the initial details of what would prove to be a significant aircraft emergency that fortunately resulted in no serious injuries despite the frightening circumstances passengers experienced during the evacuation.

The Boeing 737-800 aircraft was carrying 172 passengers and six crew members when the incident occurred around 5:15 p.m. local time,Yahoo News reveals, noting that twelve people were taken to the hospital with minor injuries. The flight, designated as AA Flight 1006, had been in the air for approximately an hour after departing Colorado Springs when it was diverted to Denver due to engine vibrations reported by the crew.

Yahoo News explains that passengers evacuated the plane through multiple exits including emergency slides, the overwing exit, and some were able to exit via the jet bridge after the aircraft had taxied to the gate. The airline acted quickly to arrange alternative transportation, preparing a replacement aircraft to continue the journey to Dallas-Fort Worth while thanking their crew members, Denver International Airport staff, and first responders for their quick and decisive action prioritizing the safety of everyone involved in the incident.

The fire was reported while the aircraft was sitting at gate C38,Fox 31 indicates, with visible smoke prompting the evacuation and deployment of emergency slides. Initially, Denver International Airport stated that no injuries had been reported when they announced at 6:15 p.m. that the fire had been extinguished but later updated their statement at 9:40 p.m. to confirm that twelve people had been transported to area hospitals with minor injuries. 

According to recordings of air traffic control conversations reviewed by Fox 31, pilots had sensed high engine vibrations during the flight and informed controllers they were cruising "slower than normal" before the diversion. The National Transportation Safety Board has confirmed they are investigating the incident with two investigators specializing in commercial aircraft and powerplants examining the scene, with Fox 31 reporting that a preliminary report on the fire will be available within 30 days. 

Congresswoman Lauren Boebert, who represents Colorado's 4th Congressional District, expressed her concern on social media, offering prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured passengers.