A wheel fire forced passengers to evacuate an American Airlines flight in Denver.
The emergency unfolded after landing, with crew deploying slides and firefighters quickly containing the flames.
Passengers aboard an American Airlines flight experienced a terrifying moment at Denver International Airport when one of the aircraft’s landing gear wheels suddenly caught fire, prompting a swift and urgent evacuation.
The incident occurred shortly after the aircraft had arrived and was taxiing on the tarmac. Smoke was seen billowing from the underside of the plane, specifically from the area around the landing gear. Within moments, the cabin crew initiated emergency protocols, deploying the aircraft’s inflatable slides to evacuate all passengers and crew members on board.
Dramatic video footage of the incident, widely circulated on social media, shows thick plumes of smoke rising from beneath the plane as anxious passengers slide down and scramble away from the aircraft. Airport fire and rescue personnel responded quickly, extinguishing the flames and assisting in the emergency response.
American Airlines later confirmed the fire originated from a wheel on the aircraft and added that the flight had landed safely before the problem was noticed. “Our crew acted swiftly to ensure the safety of everyone on board. All passengers were safely evacuated, and no serious injuries were reported,” the airline said in a statement.
Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic but orderly, crediting the airline staff for their calm and professional response. “It was scary seeing the smoke and then being told to leave everything and slide out of the plane,” one passenger said.
Airport operations resumed after emergency teams cleared the scene. Authorities are now investigating the exact cause of the wheel fire. Meanwhile, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has been notified and is expected to assist in the investigation.
