American Airlines Plane Catches Fire, 12 Hospitalised

The United States (US) Federal Aviation Authority (FAA), on Thursday March 13, 2025, reported that an American Airline flight was evacuated on the tarmac at Denver International Airport after a fire outbreak.

The incident which sent smoke billowing across the tarmac, took place at approximately 5:15 p.m., local time.

They confirmed that the flight had 172 passengers and six crew members on board before the fire outbreak.

The FAA said the airplane was originally taken off from Colorado Springs and was en route to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport.

The Boeing 737-800 plane was diverted to Denver after the crew reported engine vibration, shortly after departing from Colorado Springs, Colorado.

They also noted that the fire was related to an engine-related issue and that all passengers were safely evacuated.

“All passengers were able to exit the plane,” FAA said.

The American Airlines stated that passengers evacuated the plane through emergency slides, the overwing exit and some onto the jet bridge.

A statement from Denver International Airport said 12 people were taken to the hospital with minor injuries.

The authority noted that the fire did not disrupt other flights at the airport, with emergency crews swift response to the flames.

It is said that this incident follows a series of concerns affecting aviation events in North America, which includes a fatal mid-air collision in Washington DC.

This have raised questions about air traffic controller workloads and staffing shortages.

The FAA added that the incident comes amid efforts by the Trump’s administration to reduce government spending by cost cuts.

It incited that the termination of hundreds of FAA probationary workers, including maintenance mechanics and technical assistants by Trumps administration affects the smooth running of aviation affairs in the country.

The agency reaffirmed its commitment to ensure that safety of the airplane users is achieved.

Meanwhile, the FAA is responsible for regulating and overseeing all aspects of civil aviation in the United States

This includes safety, air traffic control, and airport management.

It is claimed that the agency employs over 45,000 people and has a budget of over $20 billion .

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