American Airlines Flight Emergency: 178 Passengers Evacuated After Fire at Denver Airport
A routine arrival at Denver International Airport turned chaotic when an American Airlines plane caught fire at the gate, prompting an emergency evacuation of 178 passengers and causing minor injuries to twelve people.
American Airlines plane fire in Denver
Emergency crews quickly responded to contain the fire, which was initially reported as smoke near one of the aircraft's engines while the plane was parked at the gate. The evacuation was completed within minutes, with injured passengers receiving immediate medical attention for minor injuries sustained primarily from emergency slide usage.
The incident involved an Airbus A321 and occurred Thursday afternoon. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have launched an investigation, with preliminary reports suggesting a possible mechanical malfunction, though the exact cause remains undetermined.
Passengers praised the crew's professional response during the evacuation. One passenger reported, "The flight attendants were shouting for everyone to evacuate. It was scary, but they handled it well."
While the fire caused temporary flight delays, Denver International Airport operations resumed shortly after the incident. American Airlines has expressed gratitude for the emergency crews' swift response and maintains that passenger safety remains their top priority.
The FAA and NTSB continue their investigation to determine whether mechanical failure, maintenance issues, or other factors contributed to the fire. The incident has prompted renewed attention to aircraft maintenance and safety protocols at major airports.
