Passengers on an American Airways flight have been evacuated onto the tarmac of an airport in Colorado as a hearth broke out on the airplane, sending smoke billowing into the air.
Footage of the evacuation confirmed passengers huddled on the wing of the Boeing airliner, some holding baggage, with flames burning close to the underside of the airplane.
The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) mentioned passengers used inflatable slides to achieve the bottom safely on the Denver Worldwide Airport. The company mentioned that it will examine the reason for the incident.
There have been no reviews of significant accidents, though the airport later confirmed 12 folks have been taken to hospital for minor accidents.
The flight took off from close by Colorado Springs and was on the best way to Dallas Fort Value Worldwide Airport in Texas, the FAA mentioned in a press release to the NEWSTORN.
The airplane diverted to Denver round 17:15 native time (23:15 GMT) after the crew reported “engine vibrations”, the FAA mentioned.
After the airplane landed, it caught fireplace whereas taxiing on the tarmac on the airport.
American Airways mentioned the airplane had 172 passengers on board, together with six crew members. All have been evacuated safely, the corporate mentioned.
It added that the airplane was a Boeing 737-800 and skilled an “engine-related difficulty”.
Smoke and flames have been seen from numerous gates on the airport, based on airport spokesman Michael Konopasek. He mentioned the hearth was doused and it didn’t result in delays for different flights.
A few of these contained in the airport posted movies on social media exhibiting the airplane’s passengers strolling towards the sting of the wing as giant clouds of black smoke stuffed the air.
Floor crew might be seen speeding to the wing whereas pushing ladders.
Video present flames below the airplane’s proper engine as an inflatable evacuation slide seem on the plane’s rear door.
The evacuation comes after a latest string of high-profile incidents in North America which have raised considerations about aviation security.
A deadly crash in Washington DC left 67 folks lifeless when an American Airways regional jet collided mid-air with a US Military Black Hawk helicopter. The crash within the US capital metropolis led to questions on air site visitors controller shortages and their workloads.
US President Donald Trump’s administration has additionally terminated lots of of FAA probationary staff as a part of authorities cost-saving efforts.
The layoffs occurred weeks after the deadly DC crash.
The laid-off FAA staff included upkeep mechanics, environmental compliance staff and technical assistants.
Trump has pushed to scale back authorities spending with tech billionaire Elon Musk spearheading efforts as a part of the Division of Authorities Effectivity (Doge).
Extra reporting by Kayla Epstein
