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An American Airlines flight was evacuated at a Colorado airport after a fire erupted on board, sending large clouds of smoke into the sky.
Video footage of the evacuation captured passengers gathered on the wing of the Boeing aircraft, several clutching their belongings, as flames flickered close to the plane’s fuselage.
According to the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), passengers utilized inflatable slides to safely disembark at Denver International Airport. The FAA has stated that it will conduct an investigation into the incident’s cause.
Thankfully, there were no significant injuries reported; however, hospital authorities indicated that twelve individuals received treatment for minor injuries.
The flight, which originated from Colorado Springs, was en route to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport in Texas, as detailed in an FAA statement.
The plane diverted to Denver at approximately 5:15 PM local time after the crew experienced “engine vibrations,” according to the FAA.
After landing, the aircraft caught fire while taxiing on the tarmac.
American Airlines confirmed that there were 172 passengers and six crew members on board, all of whom were evacuated without injury.
The aircraft involved was identified as a Boeing 737-800, which suffered an “engine-related issue.”
The fire was visible from multiple airport gates, according to spokesperson Michael Konopasek, who noted that it was extinguished without causing delays to other flights.
Passengers inside the airport shared videos on social media, showing evacuees making their way to the wing as thick, black smoke enveloped the area.
Ground crews were visible, quickly approaching the wing with ladders in hand.
Video evidence documented active flames emerging from under the aircraft’s right engine while evacuation slides were deployed at the rear exit.
This incident occurs amid growing concerns over aviation safety in North America, following several high-profile accidents.
A particularly tragic incident in Washington DC resulted in the deaths of 67 people when an American Airlines regional jet collided with a US Army Black Hawk helicopter. This accident raises significant questions regarding air traffic control shortages and their operational demands.
Additionally, the administration of US President Donald Trump has recently terminated the employment of hundreds of FAA probationary staff as part of broader government cost-saving measures.
These layoffs occurred shortly after the fatal crash in Washington, affecting positions including maintenance mechanics, environmental compliance personnel, and technical assistants.
The move aligns with Trump’s initiatives to streamline government spending, with notable figures like tech billionaire Elon Musk involved in efforts directed by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
Kayla Epstein contributed to this article.
Source
www.yahoo.com