An American Airlines plane caught fire while stationed at a gate at Denver International Airport on Thursday morning, prompting an emergency evacuation. Passengers were seen fleeing the aircraft as thick smoke billowed from the plane. Firefighters were able to extinguish the flames, and no injuries were reported.
According to airport officials, the incident occurred at Gate C38 and involved American Airlines Flight 1006, a Boeing 737-800 that had departed from Colorado Springs. Video footage shared on social media showed passengers running from the aircraft as emergency crews worked to contain the fire. The plane’s evacuation slides were deployed, and passengers could be seen exiting the aircraft using its wings.
One witness shared an image of flames near the aircraft’s engine, claiming the fire was caused by jet fuel ignition. The Denver International Airport confirmed that the aircraft produced “visible smoke” and that all passengers were safely evacuated. Alexandria Cullen, press assistant for Colorado Congressman Gabe Evans, revealed that her mother was on the flight and posted a video of the scene on X.
“American Airlines flight 4012 caught fire after an engine failed…The plane was diverted to Denver. My mom was on this flight. THANK YOU GOD that they are alive,” she wrote.
The incident comes amid growing concerns about aviation safety following a series of recent accidents. Experts in the airline industry, however, maintain that flying remains one of the safest modes of transportation. “Despite the ‘theatrical’ spate of recent accidents, air travel is still fundamentally safe,” said Dr Daniel Adjekum, a veteran in aviation safety management.
Dr Hassan Shahidi of the Flight Safety Foundation echoed similar sentiments, stating that while concerns exist, the aviation system in the US remains well-regulated. “Thousands of airplanes depart and land every day with trained pilots and air traffic controllers doing their jobs well,” he said.
The fire at Denver International Airport happened just hours after an explosion and transformer fire at a local assisted living facility, where 10 people were taken to hospitals and 87 residents were displaced. Fire officials believe the explosion was caused by a power line accidentally struck during construction work.
Denver International Airport, one of the busiest in the US, handles around 1,500 flights daily.
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