Daijiworld Media Network - Denver

Denver, Jul 27: An American Airlines flight headed to Miami was forced to abort takeoff at Denver International Airport on Saturday afternoon after a landing gear malfunction triggered fire and smoke on the runway, prompting an emergency evacuation.

Flight AA-3023, a Boeing 737 MAX 8, was carrying 173 passengers when the incident occurred around 2:45 pm (local time). Authorities confirmed that all passengers were safely evacuated, with one individual sustaining minor injuries.

Dramatic visuals captured chaos on the tarmac as panicked passengers slid down emergency chutes while flames engulfed the aircraft’s landing gear. Thick smoke billowed as rescue teams rushed to the scene.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the aircraft reported a possible landing gear issue during departure. Passengers were evacuated on the runway and transported to the terminal by bus. The FAA has launched an investigation into the incident.

Denver Airport officials said the plane was on the runway when the malfunction occurred. Emergency services, including the Denver Fire Department and the airport’s First Responders, were swiftly deployed. “Five people were evaluated on scene and not transported. One person was evaluated at a gate and transported,” they stated.

American Airlines confirmed a maintenance issue with a tire on the landing gear and said the aircraft had been taken out of service for inspection. “All customers and crew deplaned safely,” the airline noted.

Meanwhile, a video from the evacuation drew online outrage after a passenger was seen holding his luggage in one hand and his child—reportedly by the neck—in the other while tumbling down the emergency slide.

This marks the second such incident in Denver in just five months. In March, another American Airlines flight—a Boeing 737-800 bound for Dallas—caught fire on the runway. All passengers and crew were safely evacuated in that case as well.