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.
Local News
High-Angle Rescue in Progress After Teen Climbs 900-Foot KSDK TV Transmission Tower in Affton
AFFTON, MO — Emergency crews are conducting a high-angle rescue operation in Affton, Missouri, after a 17-year-old male reportedly climbed nearly 900 feet up a television transmission tower belonging to local station KSDK on Heege Road.
According to officials with the Lemay Fire Protection District, the call for assistance came in around 2:30 p.m. when witnesses reported seeing the teenager scaling the tower.
Responding units from both the Affton Fire Protection District and Lemay Fire Protection District quickly arrived on scene and established a command post at the base of the structure.
Fire officials confirmed that the individual, described as a 17-year-old male, was observed barefoot and positioned approximately 850 feet above the ground.
Authorities say they believe the teen may be under the influence of alcohol or another substance, though that has not been confirmed.
Specialized technical rescue teams are currently coordinating efforts to reach and safely bring the teen down from the tower.
The operation is described as extremely dangerous and complex, given the height and structural conditions.
Law enforcement personnel have secured the surrounding area, and roads near the tower have been closed as a precaution while emergency crews work.
This is a developing situation, and updates will be provided as additional information becomes available.