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An American Airlines flight was evacuated at Denver International Airport on 26 July after it suffered “a mechanical issue” connected to a tyre during takeoff, the airline said.
Social media footage shows the moment passengers used emergency slides to escape, with flames seen below the plane.
One person was taken to hospital following the incident, according to Denver International Airport.
In a harrowing scene at Denver International Airport, passengers were forced to evacuate a burning plane using emergency slides after the aircraft caught fire on the tarmac. The dramatic incident unfolded on Sunday afternoon, sending shockwaves through the aviation community and sparking an immediate investigation by federal authorities.
What Happened?
The aircraft, a Boeing 737 operated by a major U.S. airline (name withheld pending official reports), had just landed at Denver International Airport after a routine domestic flight. According to preliminary reports, the fire began shortly after the plane had reached the gate area or was taxiing, though the exact location of the fire has yet to be confirmed.
Eyewitnesses on board described a chaotic but remarkably swift evacuation as thick smoke began filling the cabin. Flight attendants deployed the emergency slides, and passengers scrambled to safety, many leaving behind carry-on items to prioritize their lives.
“We started smelling smoke and then saw flames from one of the engines. The crew stayed calm and told us to get out fast. I just grabbed my kid and ran,” said one passenger, visibly shaken but uninjured.
Emergency Response
Airport fire and rescue crews responded within minutes of the alarm, extinguishing the blaze before it could spread further. Thanks to the quick action of the flight crew and emergency personnel, all passengers and crew were evacuated safely.
A few minor injuries were reported, primarily sprains, bruises, and cases of smoke inhalation. Several individuals were treated on-site, and a small number were transported to nearby hospitals as a precaution.
“We train for moments like this,” said a spokesperson for the airline. “Our flight crew acted swiftly and professionally to ensure the safety of everyone on board. We are grateful there were no serious injuries.”
The Investigation Begins
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched a joint investigation into the incident. Investigators will examine maintenance logs, crew statements, passenger reports, and data from the aircraft’s black boxes.
At this stage, there is speculation that the fire may have originated from the engine or auxiliary power unit (APU), though officials caution that no cause has been confirmed. Investigators will also look into how the evacuation was managed and whether all safety protocols were followed.
Passenger Reaction and Praise for the Crew
Many passengers took to social media shortly after the incident to share photos and videos of the evacuation. While the experience was clearly traumatic for many, a recurring theme in passenger accounts was praise for the flight crew’s professionalism and calm under pressure.
“The flight attendants were heroes. They didn’t panic—they just got everyone off safely,” one passenger posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Aviation safety experts have also praised the crew’s use of emergency slides, which are rarely deployed in real-life situations but can be lifesaving in moments of crisis.
What This Means for Air Travelers
Incidents like these, while rare, serve as stark reminders of why pre-flight safety briefings and compliance with crew instructions are so important. Emergency slides deploy at high speed, and evacuations are physically demanding—underscoring the need for passengers to pay close attention, wear appropriate shoes, and leave belongings behind.
Though commercial aviation remains one of the safest modes of transportation, the Denver airport incident is a wake-up call for airlines and regulators to continuously review safety procedures, training, and aircraft maintenance.
Final Thoughts
Sunday’s emergency landing and evacuation at Denver International Airport could have ended in tragedy, but thanks to quick thinking and rigorous training, all souls on board made it off the aircraft alive. As investigations continue, passengers and crew alike are counting their blessings and recovering from a truly terrifying experience.
The incident stands as a testament to the importance of safety preparedness in aviation—and a reminder that even routine flights can change in an instant.