Boeing catches fire just before takeoff
(MENAFN) A Boeing 737 Max operated by American Airlines caught fire on the runway at Denver International Airport on Saturday evening, forcing an emergency evacuation of all 179 people on board. The aircraft, bound for Miami, experienced a landing gear malfunction that caused the brakes to catch fire, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
One passenger was taken to the hospital with minor injuries, and five others received on-site medical attention. Fire crews responded quickly and extinguished the flames. The plane was removed from service for further inspection, and passengers were transferred to a replacement aircraft.
Eyewitnesses described a terrifying scene. Shay Armistead told CNN the plane began shaking violently, while another passenger reported seeing flames under the aircraft moments before the evacuation. Footage shared on social media platform X showed passengers sliding down emergency chutes as smoke poured from the jet.
The incident disrupted operations at the airport, delaying more than 240 flights, according to tracking data. The FAA has launched an investigation.
This event adds to ongoing concerns surrounding the Boeing 737 Max series. Earlier this year, an Alaska Airlines Max 9 suffered a mid-air blowout of a door plug, leading to FAA-imposed production caps and enhanced inspection requirements that remain active.
Denver International has faced other aviation incidents recently, including an engine fire on another American Airlines plane in March and a United Airlines jet catching fire after a runway collision with an animal in April.
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