Boeing aircraft catches fire on runway at Denver Airport; Panicked passengers slide out amid smoke
Denver: A major accident was narrowly averted at Denver International Airport on Saturday afternoon when an American Airlines flight to Miami had to stop takeoff after its landing gear resulted in smoke and fire on the runway.
The Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, operating as flight AA-3023, had 173 passengers on board, all of whom were safely evacuated. However, one person reportedly suffered a minor injury and was taken to the hospital for treatment.
A footage circulating online shows the moment panic-stricken passengers rushed down emergency slides while thick smoke rose from the aircraft’s left rear wheel.
🚨#BREAKING: Watch as People evacuate from a American Airlines jet after a left main wheels caught fire
— R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) July 26, 2025
📌#Denver | #Colorado
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
American Airlines, in a statement, said that the aircraft ‘experienced a maintenance issue’ with a tire on the landing gear just before taking off. “All customers and crew deplaned safely, and the aircraft was taken out of service to be inspected by our maintenance team,” the airlines added.
The US aviation watchdog, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), is investigating the incident which led to the fire after malfunction in the landing gear.
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Experience comes when you play bigger teams in bilateral series: Rashid Khan
Chennai (PTI): Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan called for more bilateral series against stronger cricketing nations after his team signed off from the T20 World Cup on a high, defeating Canada in their final group match here on Thursday.
Afghanistan played some exhilarating cricket, going down to South Africa in a gripping second Super Over after the scores were tied, a humdinger that provided one of the early thrills of the World Cup.
However, the spin-bowling stalwart said Afghanistan could make significant strides if they get regular opportunities to compete against stronger cricketing nations.
"Couple of areas to improve, with the batting, the middle order got a bit stuck against the big teams, and then with the bowling the death overs. That comes when you play the bigger teams in bilateral series," said Rashid after his team defeat Canada by 82 runs, with him returning excellent figures of 2 for 19.
The stalwart said the side had arrived well prepared for the tournament and produced some breathtaking cricket, but admitted the narrow defeat to South Africa proved costly and remained a painful setback.
"We were well-prepared (for the tournament), we played some unbelievable cricket. The game against South Africa, that really hurt everyone. We had to win one of those (first two) games and see how the tournament unfolded. We'll take some positive things from this World Cup and look forward," he said.
With head coach Jonathan Trott set to part ways with the team, Rashid described the departure as an "emotional" moment for the side.
"I think we had some wonderful times with him. Where we are now, he played a main role. It's emotional to see him leave us, but that's how life is. We wish him all the best and somewhere down the line we see him again."
Ibrahim Zadran, who was named Player of the Match for his unbeaten 95 off 56 balls, said it was satisfying to finally register a substantial score after two below-par outings.
"I enjoyed it, didn't play better cricket in first two innings, which I expect. Wanted to back my skills, really enjoyed it. Pressure was there, it's there all the time. I want to put myself in pressure situations and enjoy it," said Zadran.
"Wanted to play positive cricket, rotate strike and punish bad ball, create partnerships and this is what I have done."
