Watch: American Airlines flight tyre catches fire before takeoff in Denver

A Denver to Miami American Airlines flight was grounded just before takeoff when one of the tyres on the aircraft caught fire prompting emergency evacuation via slides. The incident occurred at Denver International Airport (DEN), with 173 passengers and six crew members on board.The airline confirmed the incident in an official statement, stating that all passengers and crew deplaned safely and the aircraft was removed from service for inspection. “We thank our team members for their professionalism and apologise to our customers for their experience,” it said.

????#BREAKING: Watch as People evacuate from a American Airlines jet after a left main wheels caught fire

????#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

— R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) July 26, 2025

One passenger sustained a minor injury during the evacuation and was taken to hospital for evaluation. A video circulating on social media shows smoke buidling up from the left rear section of the plane along with some visuals of flame as passengers exit using emergency slides.

This afternoon, DEN First Responders and the Denver Fire Department responded to a reported issue with an American Airlines flight (AA3023, DEN-MIA) on a runway. Those on board are now off the aircraft.

— Denver Int’l Airport (@DENAirport) July 26, 2025

@Denver_Fire extinguished a fire after responding to the aircraft. @DENAirport

— Denver Fire Department (@Denver_Fire) July 26, 2025

First responders met the aircraft on the runway in line with safety protocols. A replacement flight has been arranged for affected passengers.