Passengers aboard an American Airlines flight were forced to evacuate onto the tarmac at a Colorado airport after a fire broke out on the plane, sending thick smoke into the air.

Footage captured the dramatic scene as passengers gathered on the wing of the Boeing aircraft, some clutching their belongings, while flames burned near the plane's underside.

According to the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), travelers safely reached the ground using inflatable slides at Denver International Airport. The agency has launched an investigation into the cause of the fire.

No serious injuries were reported, though the airport later confirmed that 12 individuals were transported to the hospital with minor injuries.

The flight had departed from Colorado Springs and was en route to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport in Texas when the crew detected "engine vibrations," prompting a diversion to Denver at approximately 5:15 PM local time (23:15 GMT), the FAA stated.

After landing, the aircraft caught fire while taxiing on the tarmac.

American Airlines confirmed that all 172 passengers and six crew members onboard were safely evacuated. The airline attributed the incident to an "engine-related issue" involving the Boeing 737-800.

According to airport spokesperson Michael Konopasek, smoke and flames were visible from multiple airport gates. The fire was quickly extinguished, and flight operations remained unaffected.

Videos shared on social media showed passengers making their way to the edge of the wing as thick black smoke filled the sky. Ground crew members rushed to assist, carrying ladders to help passengers descend.

Footage also revealed flames under the aircraft’s right engine as an evacuation slide deployed from the rear door.

This incident follows a series of high-profile aviation accidents in North America that have heightened safety concerns.

Recently, a deadly mid-air collision in Washington, DC, between an American Airlines regional jet and a US Army Black Hawk helicopter claimed 67 lives, raising questions about air traffic controller shortages and workload management.

Additionally, the Trump administration has cut hundreds of FAA probationary workers as part of government cost-saving measures.

The layoffs, occurring just weeks after the DC crash, affected maintenance mechanics, environmental compliance workers, and technical assistants.

Trump has pushed for government budget reductions, with billionaire Elon Musk leading efficiency initiatives under the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).