DENVER (KDVR) — Passengers have been compelled to evacuate an American Airways flight parked on a tarmac utilizing emergency slides in Denver after a reported “upkeep subject” on Saturday.
The flight, departing Denver Worldwide Airport (DIA) for Miami Worldwide Airport, was stopped on the runway about 5 p.m. native time. A passenger instructed local media that they heard “a giant bang and a pop” because the flight was navigating towards takeoff.
A DIA spokesperson confirmed to Nexstar’s KDVR that the flight was an American Airways airplane. The plane reportedly stopped on the runway after DEN First Responders and the Denver Hearth Division responded to a “reported subject.”
At 5:10 p.m., DFD posted an replace on X, saying that firefighters had extinguished a hearth “after responding to the plane.”
KDVR reached out to American Airways, which stated that it was a upkeep subject that “concerned an plane tire.” The airline firm additionally said:
“American Airways flight 3023 skilled a upkeep subject previous to takeoff at Denver Worldwide Airport (DEN). All prospects and crew deplaned safely, and the plane was taken out of service to be inspected by our upkeep workforce. We thank our workforce members for his or her professionalism and apologize to our prospects for his or her expertise.”
Video from the scene, seen within the participant on the high of this story, confirmed passengers — together with a number of kids — evacuating the flight utilizing an emergency slide as smoke rose into the air from the airplane. A number of individuals appeared to stumble whereas getting off the slide.
DIA said that six individuals have been evaluated. One individual evaluated at a gate was transported, whereas the others weren’t.
In line with American Airways, 173 passengers and 6 crew members have been on board. Passengers have been anticipated to “re-depart to MIA on a alternative plane” later Saturday.
The FAA is investigating.