Local News
Watch: American Airlines plane catches fire at Denver International Airport
Denver, CO – March 2025 – A passenger jet operated by American Airlines caught fire upon landing at Denver International Airport (DEN), prompting an emergency evacuation of all passengers and crew.
According to airport officials, the aircraft—an American Airlines commercial jet—began emitting heavy smoke shortly after landing.
The source of the fire remains under investigation, but initial reports indicate that it may have originated from the landing gear or engine compartment.
Video footage from the scene captures thick smoke billowing from the aircraft as passengers hurriedly evacuated onto the wings of the plane.
Emergency response crews rushed to the tarmac, working swiftly to extinguish the flames and assist those on board.
Denver International Airport’s fire and rescue teams responded immediately, ensuring that all passengers and crew were safely evacuated. As of now, there have been no reported injuries.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have been notified and will be conducting a full investigation into the cause of the fire. American Airlines has yet to release an official statement regarding the incident.
Passengers and eyewitnesses are encouraged to provide any relevant information or video footage to assisting agencies as they work to determine what led to the aircraft malfunction.
This remains a developing story, and further details will be provided as they become available.
Local News
61-year-old Cynthia Diekema killed by alligator during couple canoe trip in Polk County
Her husband attempted to intervene and rescue her, but the attack proved fatal.
A tragic and rare fatal alligator attack claimed the life of a 61-year-old woman in Polk County, Florida, during a canoeing trip with her husband on Tuesday afternoon, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).
Cynthia Diekema, a resident of Polk County, was canoeing with her husband at the mouth of Tiger Creek near Lake Kissimmee when their vessel drifted over a large alligator in approximately 2.5 feet of water.
Authorities say the animal thrashed violently, causing the canoe to overturn and throwing both occupants into the water.
Officials report that Diekema ended up on top of the alligator during the struggle and was bitten.
Her husband attempted to intervene and rescue her, but the attack proved fatal.
Diekema’s body was later recovered from the water.
FWC confirmed that two large alligators were captured in connection with the incident.
The first, an 11-foot-4-inch specimen believed to have been involved in the attack, was located and euthanized Tuesday night.
A second gator, estimated to be between 10 and 11 feet in length, was captured the following morning as a precaution.
“This is a devastating loss,” said Roger Young, executive director of the FWC, during a press briefing on Wednesday. He emphasized that while fatal alligator encounters are extremely uncommon, the tragedy underscores the importance of respecting Florida’s native wildlife.
In response to the incident, FWC has reiterated safety guidance for residents and visitors: avoid swimming in non-designated areas, especially at dawn or dusk, and keep pets and small children away from the water’s edge.
The investigation remains ongoing.