Yet another Boeing aircraft has caught fire, forcing 180 passengers and crew members to evacuate the plane at Denver International Airport. The American Airlines Boeing 737-800, originally headed from Colorado Springs to Dallas, made an emergency diversion after experiencing engine trouble that eventually erupted into flames on the tarmac.
At a glance:
- American Airlines Boeing 737-800 caught fire at Denver International Airport after diverting from Colorado Springs
- All 172 passengers and 6 crew members evacuated using emergency slides and walking on wings
- 12 people suffered minor injuries requiring hospital treatment
- Engine fire occurred while taxiing to gate after reporting vibrations during flight
- Incident adds to ongoing scrutiny of Boeing amid previous safety concerns
Emergency Evacuation Amid Flames and Smoke
Passengers aboard American Airlines Flight 1516 experienced moments of sheer panic when the Boeing 737-800 aircraft caught fire while taxiing at Denver International Airport on Tuesday. The aircraft had already been diverted to Denver after the crew reported engine vibrations during its journey from Colorado Springs to Dallas-Fort Worth.
It’s just the latest in a long string of Boeing incidents, and we even have video footage of it.
The footage captured dramatic scenes showing dark smoke and visible flames engulfing one of the plane’s engines as passengers desperately evacuated. First responders rushed to the scene while travelers fled onto the wing and down emergency slides in a chaotic evacuation that thankfully resulted in no life-threatening injuries.
Take a look:
AMERICAN AIRLINES FIRE IN DENVER—6 HOSPITALIZED AFTER EMERGENCY EVACUATION
An American Airlines Boeing 737-800 caught fire on the ground at Denver International Airport after landing from Colorado Springs.
The crew had reported engine vibrations mid-flight, and after safely… https://t.co/BFIOVQw7JI pic.twitter.com/FnVtNDtTf9
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) March 14, 2025
The Federal Aviation Authority confirmed the aircraft experienced significant engine vibrations, forcing pilots to make the emergency landing in Denver. American Airlines later thanked their employees and first responders for their quick actions that prevented what could have been a much more serious incident.
On the background, this March 13, the American Airlines Boeing 737-800 aircraft (N885NN) operated a flight AA1006 from Colorado Springs (COS) to Dallas (DFW) and made a diversion to Denver as the cockpit indicated engine vibration.
Post landing, one of the engines caught fire,… pic.twitter.com/2OSuUS2RM3
— FL360aero (@fl360aero) March 14, 2025
Passengers Describe Terrifying Experience
All 172 passengers and six crew members were safely evacuated from the burning aircraft, with 12 individuals sustaining minor injuries requiring hospital treatment. The remaining passengers were later transported to their original destination on a replacement aircraft arranged by American Airlines.
“I chose to stay calm,” said Hani Levi, one of the passengers who experienced the frightening ordeal firsthand. Levi’s composed reaction stood in stark contrast to the chaos described by other passengers as smoke filled the cabin during the evacuation.
Daniel Friedman, another passenger, expressed his relief after reaching safety: “Really I just wanted to make sure we got here safe and didn’t know if it was going to happen or not.” The incident highlights the critical importance of proper emergency protocols and swift action by flight crews in aviation emergencies.
How is Boeing still in operation at this point?
