An American Airlines plane caught fire at the Denver International Airport after experiencing an engine-related issue, sending desperate passengers to one of its wings to escape the flames and smoke.
The Boeing 737-800 was scheduled to fly to Dallas-Fort Worth from Colorado Springs before it was diverted to Denver, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Crew members reported engine vibrations before the plane’s destination was changed just 20 minutes into the flight.
After landing, the plane’s engine caught fire as the plane was taxiing to a gate in Denver. Video shot by eyewitnesses showed passengers lining up along the wing as smoke billowed out from the engine.
Twelve passengers were ultimately hospitalized with minor injuries, according to the airport.
An investigation has been launched into the incident, which follows multiple aviation incidents this year.
Audio released through LiveATC.net of the call between the pilots and air traffic controllers, which aired on CNN introduced by aviation correspondent Pete Muntean, showed that pilots did not believe the situation was an “emergency” when they called it in, reporting a “high engine vibration.”
“DEN emergency crews responded to an aircraft incident earlier this evening at gate C38. All passengers were safely evacuated from the plane. 12 people were transported to local hospitals with minor injuries. DEN operations are normal,” the airport wrote on X.
“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,” an American Airlines spokesperson said in a statement.
A total of 172 passengers were on the plane, along with six crew members.
Watch above via CNN.