Plane catches fire at US' Denver airport, passengers climb on wings

An American Airlines Boeing 737-800, operating as Flight 1006, caught fire at Denver International Airport on Thursday after making an emergency landing due to reported engine vibrations. The flight, carrying 172 passengers and six crew members, was traveling from Colorado Springs to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport when it was diverted to Denver.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the aircraft crew reported experiencing "engine vibrations" mid-flight, prompting the diversion. After landing safely, the plane was taxiing to the gate when one of its engines caught fire, leading to an immediate evacuation. Passengers exited using emergency slides and the aircraft’s wings as thick smoke rose from the engine.

Denver International Airport confirmed that all passengers and crew were safely evacuated. However, 12 individuals sustained minor injuries and were transported to local hospitals for treatment. Emergency responders quickly extinguished the fire. The cause of the fire remains undetermined, and an investigation is underway.

"The 172 customers and six crew members deplaned and are being relocated to the terminal," American Airlines said in a statement. "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."

Video footage circulating online showed flames near the aircraft’s engine and passengers standing on the plane's wing as smoke billowed. Some reports suggested that the fire might have been caused by jet fuel ignition, but authorities have yet to confirm the exact cause.

The FAA has launched a formal investigation into the incident. This comes amid heightened aviation safety concerns following a series of aircraft-related incidents in recent months. Denver International Airport, one of the busiest airports in the United States, handles approximately 1,500 flights daily.