American Airlines Plane Catches Fire After Landing In Denver; Passengers Evacuated

Air travelers in DC react to midair collision: 'Anything can happen'

Some travelers at Ronald Reagan National Airport expressed nervousness about flying after the midair collision over the Potomac River.

An American Airlines plane caught fire at Denver International Airport on Thursday night, forcing passengers to evacuate by slides, the Federal Aviation Administration said.

American Airlines Flight 1006 from Colorado Springs, Colorado, on a Boeing BA.N 737-800 landed in Denver around 5:15 p.m. local time, diverting from its planned destination of Dallas after the crew reported engine vibrations, the FAA said. Airport spokesperson Michael Konopasek told USA TODAY that "smoke was visible" after the fire broke out.

"After landing safely and taxiing to the gate at Denver International Airport, American Airlines Flight 1006 experienced an engine-related issue," the airline said in a statement.

"The 172 customers and six crew members deplaned and are being relocated to the terminal. We thank our crew members, (Denver) team and first responders for their quick and decisive action with the safety of everyone on board and on the ground as the priority," the airline added.

The FAA said it would investigate the incident. Boeing declined to comment, referring queries to American Airlines and investigators.

In a video posted on X, a plume of smoke poured out of the engine as passengers evacuated and walked on the plane's wing. Emergency crews later brought stairs for the passengers.

The airport confirmed firefighters extinguished the fire. No injuries were reported.

The engine fire is the latest in a series of high-profile aviation incidents that have raised questions about U.S. aviation safety, including the January 29 mid-air collision of an American Airlines regional jet and an Army helicopter that killed 67 people.

Contributing: Reuters

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