American Airlines plane catches fire after landing at DIA; 12 people taken to hospitals with minor injuries
Flight 1006 had departed from Colorado Springs and was headed to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport when it was diverted to Denver after the crew reported "engine vibrations."
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An American Airlines plane caught fire on the tarmac after landing at Denver International Airport with engine issues Thursday evening, forcing scores of passengers to evacuate the burning aircraft, authorities said.
Twelve people were transported to area hospitals with minor injuries after evacuating the Boeing 737-800, DIA spokesperson Michael Konopasek said.
Flight 1006 had departed from Colorado Springs and was headed to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport when it was diverted to Denver after the crew reported “engine vibrations,” according to a statement from the Federal Aviation Administration.
Tracking data from Flight Aware shows the 737 left Colorado Springs at 4:52 p.m., diverted at 5:14 p.m. and landed in Denver at 5:55 p.m.
The 737 landed safely and was taxiing when it experienced “an engine-related issue,” American Airlines spokesperson Brian Metham said in a statement.
The aircraft was at gate C38 when the fire started around 6 p.m., Konopasek said. Passengers were quickly evacuated with slides and the fire was extinguished, he said.
There were 172 passengers and six crew members on board, he said.
News of the fire spread quickly on social media after passengers posted videos of smoke billowing from the plane and passengers evacuating onto the wings. The FAA said passengers exited using slides.
“We thank our crew members, DEN team and first responders for their quick and decisive action with the safety of everyone on board and on the ground as the priority,” American Airlines said in a statement.
The FAA will investigate the incident.
The country has seen a recent spate of aviation disasters and close calls stoking fears about air travel, though flying remains a very safe mode of transport.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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