178 People Use Wing To Evacuate From American Airlines Plane That Caught Fire At Denver International Airport

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Another plane incident is making headlines. This time, 178 people were forced to use a wing to evacuate from an American Airlines plane that caught fire at Denver International Airport.

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According to the Denver Post, an American Airlines plane caught fire on the tarmac at DIA on Thursday (March 13). It’s reported that the plane encountered an engine problem, forcing 172 passengers and six crew members on board to evacuate the aircraft using an emergency exit and wing of the plane.

According to airport spokesperson Michael Konopasek, the plane was positioned at Denver International Airport’s gate C38 when the fire first erupted around 6 p.m. local time. Konopasek said flight attendants safely evacuated passengers from the plane, using the wing, as the fire was being extinguished. No injuries were reported. The airport said, “Passengers were evacuated and the slides were deployed.”

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In a statement, American Airlines officials said Flight 1006 departed from Colorado Springs and was headed to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport when it diverted to Denver International Airport. The Boeing 737-800 landed safely at DIA. However, while taxiing, the aircraft experienced “an engine-related issue.”

AA spokesperson Brian Metham did not specify whether the diversion was caused by the engine problem or another issue.

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American Airlines Shares Initial Statement After Plane Catches Fire At Denver Airport

Speaking with FOX 31 Denver, American Airlines says:

“After landing safely and taxiing to the gate at Denver International Airport (DEN), American Airlines Flight 1006 experienced an engine-related issue. The 172 customers and six crew members deplaned and are being relocated to the terminal. 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.”

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