DENVER — A Dallas-bound American Airlines plane that was diverted to Denver International Airport Thursday evening caught fire while it was taxiing to its gate.
In a statement, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said American Airlines Flight 1006 departed Colorado Springs Airport and was headed to Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport. However, the plane diverted to Denver after the crew "reported engine vibrations."
The plane landed at DIA around 5:15 p.m. While taxiing to Gate C38, an engine caught fire. The FAA said passengers and crew members evacuated the aircraft using the emergency slides.
Stunning witness video showed passengers evacuating the plane through smoke and haze. More images captured from inside the airport showed flames apparently coming out of the aircraft's underside and smoke billowing out of it.
- Watch in the video player below:
A DIA spokesperson said firefighters were able to put out the blaze.
American Airlines said 172 customers and six crew members were on board at the time. All deplaned and were relocated to the terminal. Twelve people were taken to the hospital with minor injuries, according to a DIA spokesperson.
"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," a spokesperson for American Airlines said.
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