Brake fire forces emergency evacuation of American airlines flight in Denver

Passengers aboard an American Airlines flight were forced to evacuate on the runway at Denver International Airport on Saturday after a brake fire broke out just before takeoff.

Flight 3023, bound for Miami, experienced a mechanical issue during acceleration, prompting the emergency response, the airline said. All 173 passengers and six crew members safely exited the aircraft, though one passenger sustained minor injuries and was hospitalized for evaluation.

American Airlines attributed the fire to blown tires and rapid deceleration, which ignited the brakes. Denver firefighters quickly extinguished the flames.

Videos circulated on social media showed chaotic scenes as smoke billowed from beneath the Boeing 737 MAX 8 and passengers slid down emergency chutes, including one man seen stumbling while carrying a child.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed the crew reported a possible landing gear incident, and it is currently investigating.

This incident comes amid growing concerns over aviation safety in the U.S., following a series of recent mishaps, including a near mid-air collision involving a Southwest Airlines flight just a day earlier, and a deadly January crash near Washington DC.

Amid these events, the federal government continues efforts to overhaul the country’s aging air traffic control system, despite ongoing FAA staff cuts under recent administration policies.

(AFP)