By Parrot Newspaper 
American Airlines Plane Fire: Passengers Evacuate via Wing Amid Smoke and Chaos
Passengers aboard an American Airlines flight experienced moments of panic on Thursday evening, March 23, when one of the plane’s engines caught fire at Denver International Airport, forcing an emergency evacuation onto the aircraft’s wing.
The incident occurred on American Airlines Flight 1006, a Boeing 737-800 en route from Colorado Springs to Dallas-Fort Worth. With 172 passengers and six crew members aboard, the flight diverted to Denver around 5:15 p.m. local time after the crew reported “engine vibrations,” according to a statement by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
From Engine Vibrations to Emergency Landing
Before landing, the flight crew downplayed the issue, assuring air traffic controllers that it was not an emergency but rather an instance of “high engine vibration.” However, the situation escalated dramatically minutes after the aircraft touched down when a “Mayday” distress call rang out over the radio, signaling an engine fire.
“Mayday, Mayday, Mayday! Mayday! … engine fire!” a voice urgently declared.
The plane reached gate C38, where airport fire crews quickly extinguished the flames. However, by then, thick black smoke had engulfed the aircraft, prompting a swift evacuation.
Passengers Scramble to Safety
Dramatic images from the scene show passengers standing on the aircraft’s wing, looking on as emergency responders worked to contain the fire. While most passengers escaped unscathed, twelve individuals were taken to the hospital with minor injuries, according to the Denver Fire Department.
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In a statement, American Airlines praised its crew members, airport personnel, and first responders for their quick and decisive action, emphasizing that passenger safety remained the top priority.
The FAA has launched an investigation into the cause of the fire, seeking to determine what led to the engine malfunction and whether any mechanical or operational failures were involved.
A Growing Concern in Aviation?
While air travel remains one of the safest modes of transportation, engine-related incidents like this raise concerns over maintenance standards and aircraft safety protocols. The Boeing 737-800, a widely used model, has had previous reports of engine and mechanical failures, prompting scrutiny from regulators.
As investigators work to unravel the details of this latest incident, passengers and industry observers alike will be watching closely for answers—and assurances that such harrowing moments remain rare in commercial aviation.