Denver: American Airlines plane bursts into smoke upon takeoff, sparking fear among passengers.

An American Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 8 caught fire at Denver International Airport during takeoff, fueling safety concerns for the U.S. aerospace company. According to U.S. media reports, citing Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) sources, the flames apparently started from a problem with the landing gear while the plane was already on the runway, ready to take off for Miami.

There were 173 passengers and six crew members on board. The evacuation began immediately: all occupants were rescued thanks to a rapid emergency operation. Images of the evacuation—which went viral on social media—show moments of pure panic: passengers fleeing amid screams and children crying, while thick smoke enveloped the area. Authorities confirmed that one person suffered minor injuries.