On Thursday (March 13), an American Airlines plane destined for Texas suddenly burst into flames after landing on the runway of Denver International Airport, forcing almost 200 people to flee from the flames onto the aircraft’s wings.
Dozens of passengers could be seen cramming onto the wing while plumes of thick black smoke engulfed the jet. Some were also evacuated via the emergency slides while firefighters doused the plane in water.
The Boeing 737-800 had taken off from Colorado Springs at 4.52pm local time, headed for Dallas-Forth Worth International Airport.
However, it was diverted to the Denver airport at 5.15pm after crew members raised the alarm that the jet was suffering from ‘engine vibrations,’ according to the Federal Aviation Administration.
The FAA said: “After landing and while taxiing to the gate an engine caught fire and passengers evacuated the aircraft using the slides.”
The incident caused chaos and panic among the passengers as they quickly exited the plane onto the wings to escape the flames. Many passengers reported feeling intense heat as they made their way to safety, unsure of what was happening.
Fortunately, the quick response from the airport’s emergency services helped to prevent any serious injuries. Firefighters were able to extinguish the flames and ensure that all passengers were safely evacuated from the aircraft.
Despite the terrifying experience, many passengers praised the crew for their professionalism and quick thinking in handling the situation. The crew remained calm and guided passengers to safety, ensuring that everyone was able to evacuate the plane as quickly as possible.
The cause of the engine fire is still under investigation, and American Airlines has stated that they are working with authorities to determine what went wrong. In the meantime, the affected passengers were provided with accommodations and alternative travel arrangements to reach their final destinations.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of safety protocols and procedures on flights. While rare, emergencies like this can happen, and it is essential for both passengers and crew members to be prepared to respond quickly and effectively in order to ensure everyone’s safety.
As the investigation into the engine fire continues, American Airlines has assured the public that they are committed to the safety and well-being of their passengers. They will be working diligently to identify the cause of the fire and take any necessary steps to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Overall, the quick response and professionalism displayed by the crew during this frightening incident have been commended by many. While it was a terrifying experience for those onboard, all passengers were safely evacuated, and no serious injuries were reported.