An American Airlines Denver flight bound for Miami was dramatically evacuated on Saturday after a fire broke out during takeoff. The incident involved Flight 3023, a Boeing 737 MAX 8, at Denver International Airport.
Within the first moments of takeoff, the aircraft’s left landing gear reportedly caught fire, producing heavy smoke that was visible from the control tower. Pilots were alerted immediately and quickly aborted the takeoff. Emergency slides were deployed as 173 passengers and 6 crew members were evacuated swiftly.
Videos from the runway showed passengers sliding down while black smoke engulfed the rear of the plane. The Denver Fire Department responded quickly and extinguished the fire. Authorities confirmed that one passenger was transported to the hospital with minor injuries, and five others were evaluated at the scene.
American Airlines stated that the incident stemmed from a mechanical issue in the landing gear area. The aircraft has been removed from service for a full inspection. Meanwhile, the Federal Aviation Administration has launched an investigation to determine the root cause of the failure.
The airport experienced brief delays due to the emergency response but operations returned to normal within a short time. A replacement aircraft was arranged, and most passengers continued their journey later in the evening.
This incident highlights the importance of rigorous safety protocols and quick crew response. While the event was alarming, the successful evacuation prevented what could have been a far more serious outcome.
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