At Denver International Airport in Colorado, an American Airlines aircraft caught fire on Thursday, sending passengers onto the aircraft’s wing and down emergency slides. According to airport officials, twelve individuals were admitted to the hospital with minor wounds.
Not long after taking off from Colorado Springs, Colorado, the Boeing 737-800 aircraft was rerouted to Denver. The plane’s occupants were evacuated after the engine caught fire while it was taxiing to the gate.
The event occurred at around 5:15 p.m. local time and sent smoke billowing across the tarmac.
AA Flight 1006 carried six crew members and 172 passengers.
Every passenger was allowed to get off the aircraft.
Passengers departed the aircraft via the overwing exit, emergency slides, and the jet bridge, according to American Airlines, which spoke to ABC News.
Twelve people were transported to the hospital with minor injuries, according to a statement from Denver International Airport.
According to the Federal Aviation Authority, the aircraft was redirected to Denver when the “crew reported engine vibrations,” while it was en route from Colorado Springs, Colorado, to Dallas, Texas.
After roughly 20 minutes of flight, the plane changed course, and it remained in the air for about an hour until landing.
American Airlines had previously told ABC News, “We thank our crew members, DEN team, and first responders for their quick and decisive action with the safety of everyone on board and on the ground as the priority.”
Additionally, the airline announced that it was setting up a substitute plane to transport travelers the remaining distance to Dallas Fort-Worth, the planned destination.
The event is being looked into by the FAA.
