American Airlines Flight Catches Fire, Evacuates Before Takeoff

Over 100 passengers and six crew members were forced to evacuate an American Airlines flight after it caught fire prior to takeoff at Denver International Airport Saturday afternoon.

According to reports, American Airlines Flight 3023 was getting ready to depart for Miami when its landing gear caught fire. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said in a statement that the crew "reported a possible landing gear incident during departure" around 2:45 p.m. local time.

American Airlines said that 173 passengers and six crew members were evacuated from the plane safely. 

“American Airlines flight 3023 experienced a mechanical issue on takeoff roll at Denver International Airport (DEN),” American Airlines said, via PEOPLE. “All customers and crew deplaned safely, and the aircraft was taken out of service to be inspected by our maintenance team.

“The combination of blown tires and the deceleration of the aircraft during braking resulted in a minor isolated brake fire that was quickly extinguished by the Denver Fire Department."

Five passengers were evaluated at the scene by first responders and one additional passenger was taken to a local hospital for a "minor" injury.

"UPDATE: Five people were evaluated on scene and not transported. One person was evaluated at a gate and was transported," Denver International Airport said in a statement.

The FAA is investigating the incident. Meanwhile, the displaced passengers were flown to Miami later Saturday on another aircraft.

According to passenger comments to the media, the plane had been making its way down the runway when a loud pop and bang could be heard.

“The plane started vibrating and shaking really bad,” 17-year-old Shay Armistead told CNN. “We started tilting to the left side of the runway, and then we heard the sound of the wind from them lifting up the brakes of the plane and slamming on them really hard.”