denver airport american airlines plane fire
© Collin Rugg/XAmerican Airlines plane Denver 4
An American Airlines plane caught fire at Denver International Airport on Thursday, March 13, 2025.
Passengers forced to stand on wing as they evacuate

An American Airlines plane suddenly burst into flames after it diverted to Denver International Airport on Thursday night — forcing evacuating passengers onto the wing of the aircraft as thick, black smoke covered the tarmac.

The Texas-bound Boeing 737-800 was rerouted to the airport shortly after taking off from Colorado Springs when crew members reported engine vibrations, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.

passengers plane wing evacuate fire
© Stone/XAmerican Airlines plane on fire Denver 4
Passengers were forced to stand on one of the plane’s wings as smoke billowed at Denver International Airport, March 13, 2025.
American Airlines Flight 1006, carrying 172 passengers and six crew members, touched down in Denver around 5:15 p.m. and the plane's engine caught fire as it was taxiing on the tarmac, the FAA and airline said.


Passengers were evacuated using the slides, the federal agency said.

Twelve people suffered minor injuries and were transported to local hospitals for treatment, the airport confirmed on X.

Videos shared on social media showed flames and smoke consuming the aircraft as airport crews worked to extinguish the frightening blaze.


Another video from inside the airport also showed passengers standing on the wing of the aircraft as smoke billowed.

It's not clear how the fire started.

The FAA will investigate.