(TheConservativeTimes.org) – Boeing is back in the news for all the wrong reasons as one of its aircraft caught fire at Denver International Airport Thursday.
The incident forced nearly 200 passengers to evacuate as flames and smoke engulfed the right engine.
Watch the video down below.
The American Airlines Boeing 737-800 had already been diverted due to engine problems before the fire erupted on the tarmac.
The incident occurred when American Airlines Flight 1006 experienced “engine vibrations” mid-flight.
The plane was originally traveling from Colorado Springs to Dallas-Fort Worth with 172 passengers and six crew members onboard.
The pilots made the decision to divert to Denver International Airport, where the situation dramatically escalated.
“After landing safely and taxiing to the gate at Denver International Airport, American Airlines Flight 1006 experienced an engine-related issue,” the airline said.
A spokesperson for the airline added, “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.”
As the aircraft taxied toward the gate, flames and smoke suddenly became visible under the right engine, creating a dangerous situation that required immediate action.
Emergency responders rushed to the scene while flight crew members initiated evacuation protocols.
They deployed emergency slides, used the overwing exit, and set up a portable staircase to get passengers off the burning aircraft.
Passenger Gabrielle Hibbitts described the terrifying moments, recalling a burning plastic smell that filled the cabin before chaos broke out.
Panic spread among passengers as they realized the severity of the situation, with many scrambling to escape the potentially deadly fire.
Despite the airline’s quick response, twelve people suffered minor injuries during the evacuation and were transported to local hospitals.
The fire was extinguished shortly after all passengers were safely removed from the aircraft.
American Airlines arranged for a replacement aircraft to continue the journey to Dallas-Fort Worth for the affected travelers.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched an investigation into the incident, which will examine the timing and origin of the fire and smoke.
This comes as the FAA faces mounting criticism for mishandling Boeing safety concerns, with many lawmakers questioning whether politics have compromised the agency’s regulatory effectiveness.
CBS News transportation safety analyst Robert Sumwalt emphasized that well-trained personnel were crucial in ensuring safety during the incident.
However, many aviation experts question whether proper maintenance protocols are being followed across the industry as airlines struggle with staffing shortages and rushed training programs following the COVID-19 pandemic.
While passengers like Ingrid Hibbitts expressed relief that the incident occurred on the ground rather than in the air, the event adds to growing concerns about aviation safety standards.
The incident marks yet another in a string of aviation emergencies that have left many Americans thinking twice about boarding a plane.
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