An American Airlines plane engine caught fire after it landed at Denver International Airport on Thursday evening, officials said.
American Airlines Flight 1006 was en route from Colorado Springs to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport when it was diverted to Denver, the airline said.
The plane, a Boeing 737-800, landed safely around 5:15 p.m. local time after the crew reported engine vibrations, the Federal Aviation Administration said in a statement.
As the plane was taxiing to the gate, the engine caught fire, and those on board evacuated using the slides, the FAA said.
American Airlines called it an “engine-related issue,” without elaborating. It said 172 passengers and six crew members were on board.
Twelve people were taken to hospitals with minor injuries, the Denver Fire Department said.
Video on social media shows the plane at the gate, engulfed in smoke, as passengers appear to evacuate onto a wing. Another angle shows crew members on the ground trying to hose down the aircraft.
“We thank our crew members, DEN team and first responders for their quick and decisive action with the safety of everyone on board and on the ground as the priority,” American Airlines said.
The FAA will investigate.
Bryan Gallion and Alex Lo contributed.
