DENVER (KDVR) — Passengers were forced to evacuate an American Airlines flight parked on a tarmac using emergency slides in Denver after a reported “maintenance issue” on Saturday.
The flight, departing Denver International Airport (DIA) for Miami International Airport, was stopped on the runway about 5 p.m. local time. A passenger told local media that they heard “a big bang and a pop” as the flight was navigating toward takeoff.
A DIA spokesperson confirmed to Nexstar’s KDVR that the flight was an American Airlines plane. The aircraft reportedly stopped on the runway after DEN First Responders and the Denver Fire Department responded to a “reported issue.”
At 5:10 p.m., DFD posted an update on X, saying that firefighters had extinguished a fire “after responding to the aircraft.”
KDVR reached out to American Airlines, which said that it was a maintenance issue that “involved an aircraft tire.” The airline company also stated:
“American Airlines flight 3023 experienced a maintenance issue prior to takeoff at Denver International Airport (DEN). All customers and crew deplaned safely, and the aircraft was taken out of service to be inspected by our maintenance team. We thank our team members for their professionalism and apologize to our customers for their experience.”
Video from the scene, seen in the player at the top of this story, showed passengers — including multiple children — evacuating the flight using an emergency slide as smoke rose into the air from the plane. Several people appeared to stumble while getting off the slide.
DIA said that six people were evaluated. One person evaluated at a gate was transported, while the others were not.
According to American Airlines, 173 passengers and six crew members were on board. Passengers were expected to “re-depart to MIA on a replacement aircraft” later Saturday.
The FAA is investigating.
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