An alarming incident unfolded at Denver International Airport on Thursday, as an American Airlines plane caught fire, leading to the hospitalization of six passengers. The aircraft involved was a Boeing 737-800, which was forced to divert to Denver shortly after its departure from Colorado Springs, Colorado.
The incident occurred around 5:15 p.m. local time, while the plane was taxiing to the gate. During this time, the aircraft's engine ignited, prompting an immediate evacuation of its passengers. At the moment of the incident, there were 172 passengers and six crew members aboard AA Flight 1006, which was en route to Dallas, Texas.
According to the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA), the plane had been airborne for about an hour after taking off from Colorado Springs, and it was approximately 20 minutes into the flight when the crew reported engine vibrations, necessitating the diversion to Denver.
Fortunately, all passengers managed to exit the aircraft, although a few sustained minor injuries during the evacuation process. Six individuals were subsequently transported to the hospital for further evaluation. In a statement to ABC News, American Airlines expressed gratitude towards their crew members, the Denver team, and first responders, highlighting their swift and effective actions to ensure the safety of everyone involved.
In response to the incident, American Airlines confirmed that they are arranging a replacement aircraft to continue transporting passengers to their intended destination, Dallas Fort-Worth International Airport. Meanwhile, the FAA has initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the engine fire, seeking to understand the factors that led to this alarming situation.
This is a developing story, and we will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available. Stay tuned for further developments regarding the incident at Denver International Airport involving American Airlines Flight 1006.
