Fire Erupts on Runway Before Takeoff: American Airlines Flight Aborts Departure in Denver, All 173 Evacuated Safely
Fire Erupts on Runway Before Takeoff: American Airlines Flight Aborts Departure in Denver, All 173 Evacuated Safely
A dramatic scene unfolded at Denver International Airport on Saturday afternoon when an American Airlines flight aborted takeoff due to a landing gear malfunction that led to fire and smoke on the runway. All 173 passengers aboard the Boeing 737 MAX 8 were safely evacuated, although one person sustained a minor injury.
Flight AA-3023, bound for Miami, was preparing to depart around 2:45 p.m. (local time) when the aircraft encountered a tire-related maintenance issue on its landing gear. Smoke and flames erupted beneath the plane, prompting immediate emergency response.
Shocking video footage shows panic-stricken passengers sliding down emergency chutes as smoke billowed from the aircraft’s undercarriage. One clip sparked online outrage after capturing a man exiting the plane while carrying both a suitcase and a small child—appearing to grip the child by the neck—before stumbling on the runway.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), passengers were quickly evacuated and transported to the terminal by bus. The FAA confirmed it would launch an investigation into the fire.
Denver Airport confirmed the incident took place while the aircraft was on the runway. First responders and the Denver Fire Department swiftly arrived at the scene. “Five individuals were assessed on-site, and one was later transported for medical evaluation,” the airport said. The fire was fully extinguished by 5:10 p.m.
American Airlines issued a statement confirming that the aircraft had suffered a tire issue and had been taken out of service for inspection. “All customers and crew deplaned safely,” the airline said.
This marks the second fire-related aircraft incident at Denver Airport in just five months. In March, a Dallas-bound Boeing 737-800, also operated by American Airlines, caught fire prior to departure. All passengers and crew were safely evacuated in that case as well.
