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An American Airlines was forced to abort its takeoff from Denver International Airport for Miami on Saturday afternoon after the aircraft's landing gear caught fire, prompting an emergency evacuation on the runway.

Flight AA-3023, operated by a Boeing 737 MAX 8, suffered a tyre malfunction that triggered a blaze and thick smoke near the aircraft’s rear. Authorities confirmed that all 173 passengers and crew were safely evacuated, with one person sustaining a minor injury.

Dramatic video footage showed chaotic scenes as passengers slid down emergency chutes, some in panic, while flames engulfed part of the landing gear. Smoke quickly filled the surrounding area as emergency crews rushed in.

The incident unfolded around 2:45 p.m. local time, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said in a statement. "The aircraft reported a possible landing gear issue while departing. Passengers were evacuated on the runway and transported to the terminal by bus," the agency added. An investigation into the fire has been launched.

🚨#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

Denver Airport confirmed that the fire broke out while the plane was already on the runway. "First Responders and the Denver Fire Department were immediately alerted," the airport said, noting that five people were assessed on site, while one was later transported from a gate for further treatment.

The Denver Fire Department said the fire was fully extinguished by 5:10 p.m..

American Airlines later acknowledged a “maintenance issue with a tyre on the landing gear,” and said the plane has been removed from service for inspection. "All customers and crew deplaned safely," the airline said.

However, amid relief over the safe evacuation, one passenger drew sharp criticism online after video appeared to show him carrying luggage while mishandling his child during the emergency. In the clip, he is seen sliding down with a bag in one hand and his child gripped by the neck in the other, losing his balance and toppling over the child upon landing.

Social media users have since condemned the man’s actions, calling it a shocking example of poor judgement during a potentially life-threatening crisis.

The FAA’s investigation into the cause and sequence of the incident is ongoing.