Local News
People evacuate American Airlines plane at Denver International Airport (DEN) after left main wheels caught fire
DENVER, CO — Passengers aboard a Miami-bound American Airlines flight were forced to evacuate Saturday afternoon after a mechanical issue caused the aircraft’s left main landing gear to catch fire during takeoff at Denver International Airport (DEN).
The incident occurred at approximately 2:45 p.m. when American Airlines Flight 3023, a Boeing 737 MAX 8, was preparing for departure.
According to a statement from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the flight crew reported a potential landing gear issue and immediately aborted takeoff.
As a precaution, all 173 passengers and crew on board were safely evacuated onto the runway and transported back to the terminal by airport buses.
Airport officials confirmed that five individuals were evaluated at the scene for minor injuries, and one person was later transported to a hospital after reaching the gate.
American Airlines issued a statement attributing the emergency to a “maintenance issue” and confirmed that the aircraft was removed from service pending further inspection by its maintenance team.
“There were no serious injuries reported, and the safety of our customers and crew remains our top priority,” the airline stated.
The FAA has launched an investigation into the incident.
A temporary ground stop was issued at Denver International Airport in response to the emergency but has since been lifted.
Volusia County, Fla. — A 16-year-old boy has died after being found unresponsive in the Indian River during a weekend camping and fishing trip, according to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities identified the teen as Hunter McKelvin of Paisley. Deputies said he was discovered face-down in the water Saturday morning near a small island east of Maynard May Park in Edgewater.
Members of the group located the teen and immediately began CPR before transporting him by boat to Maynard May Park.
Upon arrival, officers with the Edgewater Police Department and other emergency responders took over life-saving efforts.
McKelvin was then transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced deceased later that morning.
Investigators reported that no visible injuries were observed, and there were no immediate signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances during the initial investigation.
An autopsy has been scheduled as authorities continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident.