Panic broke out on Saturday afternoon when American Airlines Flight 3023, headed from Denver to Miami, was forced to abort takeoff after smoke and fire erupted from the aircraft. The terrifying scene unfolded at Denver International Airport, where passengers had to flee the plane using emergency slides.
According to air traffic control audio, the pilot was told, “You got a lot of smoke… you are actually on fire.” The cause appears to be a malfunction involving the aircraft’s landing gear. Thick smoke and visible flames prompted a fast evacuation as passengers scrambled to safety.
All 173 passengers and 6 crew members were safely evacuated. However, six individuals were treated for minor injuries, and one person was taken to a nearby hospital. The Denver Fire Department extinguished the blaze quickly, and the airline confirmed the aircraft has been pulled from service.
American Airlines said the incident was related to a tire issue, and an investigation is underway.
The dramatic evacuation, captured on video, has gone viral—fueling growing concerns about airline safety following a string of recent flight emergencies.
