Passengers Forced To Slide Off American Airlines Plane After Fire Breaks Out
When a fire caused everyone on an American Airlines flight in Denver to evacuate down emergency slides on the runway, a routine takeoff became a terrifying escape.
International Airport in Denver
American Airlines Flight 3023 was traveling from Denver International Airport to Miami on Saturday afternoon, July 26th, when the event took place.
Around 2:45 p.m. local time, the Boeing 737 MAX 8 reported a potential landing gear incident, which prompted an emergency evacuation and an immediate halt to takeoff, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
According to NBC News, passengers experienced intense vibrations and heard a loud bang as the plane accelerated before coming to a stop. Black smoke was seen rising from the fire’s source, the landing gear, and a piece of debris rolling away from the aircraft in the video.
Flight attendants activated the emergency slides as the cabin filled with smoke and the stench of burning.
According to NBC News, all 173 passengers and crew members were successfully evacuated, but five others were examined by on-scene medical personnel and one was admitted to the hospital with minor injuries.
The incident is being investigated by the FAA.
Following reports of some passengers dragging bags as they fled the flaming jet, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy urged travelers to always leave luggage behind during emergencies.
