This image courtesy of Branden Williams shows passengers standing on the wing of an American Airlines plane as they are evacuated after it caught fire while at a gate at Denver International Airport in Denver, Colorado, 13 March 2025.
Branden Williams / Courtesy of Branden Williams / AFP
An American Airlines jet caught fire Thursday after landing at Denver International Airport in Colorado, dramatic images on social media showed.
According to statements from the airline and the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the flight was diverted to Denver after experiencing engine trouble.
"The 172 customers and six crew members deplaned and are being relocated to the terminal," American Airlines said in a statement published by Denver broadcaster KDVR.
Neither the FAA, the airline, nor Denver International Airport immediately responded to AFP requests for comment.
The incident comes amid concerns about safety following a series of aviation incidents and attempts by former President Donald Trump's administration to cut costs at U.S. aviation agencies.
The plane was reportedly en route from Colorado Springs to Dallas-Fort Worth when it was diverted to Denver.
Video footage widely shared on social media showed billowing smoke around the jet on the ground near the terminals and passengers standing on a wing as emergency services arrived.
