Passengers aboard an aircraft at Colorado’s Denver Airport were evacuated on Saturday afternoon after the flight’s tyre caught fire. Officials in Denver confirmed that the American Airlines flight was grounded due to a landing gear malfunction during takeoff. The video of the incident shows smoke filling the runway moments before takeoff.
According to the Denver Fire Department, the aircraft AA3023 was ready to depart for Miami when the mishap took place on the runway. Reports confirmed that all the 173 passengers, along with six crew members, were safely evacuated from Boeing 737 MAX 8.
CBS News reported that five people were evaluated at the site but were not sent for medical care. Meanwhile, one individual who was evaluated at the gate was moved for additional care due to a minor injury. The footage showed the terrified passengers sliding down while the plane’s landing gear was on fire.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said that the plane was set to depart from gate C34 at 1.12 pm. However, it reported a ‘possible landing gear incident’ before takeoff from runway 34L around 2.45 pm.
Meanwhile, the airline said in a statement that the displaced passengers are set to depart for Miami on a replacement aircraft later today.
🚨#BREAKING: Watch as People evacuate from a American Airlines jet after a left main wheels caught fire
Watch as passengers and crew evacuate American Airlines Flight 3023, a Boeing 737 MAX 8, at Denver International Airport. The Miami-bound jet was forced… pic.twitter.com/RmUrXYj5Jp
— R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) July 26, 2025
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