An American Airlines plane on the ground near a concourse at Denver International Airport caught fire while it was on the tarmac on Thursday evening. That’s according to airport officials, who said the plane was parked at gate C38 at Concource C, and there are no reports of injuries.
The fire started after the plane diverted to the Colorado airport due to an engine issue, CBS News learned. The plane departed from Colorado Springs and its intended destination was Dallas Fort Worth International Airport.
Steve Schilsky
Multiple videos posted on social media showed people evacuating the plane by climbing out onto the wing. Heavy smoke was coming from the plane.
An airport official told CBS News the fire was extinguished.
The FAA released the following statement:
“American Airlines Flight 1006 diverted to and landed safely at Denver International Airport around 5:15 p.m. local time on Thursday, March 13, after the crew reported engine vibrations. After landing and while taxiing to the gate an engine caught fire and passengers evacuated the aircraft using the slides. The Boeing 737-800 departed Colorado Springs Airport and was headed to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport. The FAA will investigate.”
American Airlines released the following statement:
“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.”
This is a developing story and will be updated.
