If you’re thinking twice about getting on an airplane for travel, you’re definitely not alone. Recent aircraft incidents and accidents have sent US citizens into a frenzied worry about flight, and the latest emergency in Colorado has only made things worse. An American Airlines Boeing 737-800 was scheduled to fly from Colorado Springs, Colorado, to Dallas, Texas, but was diverted to Denver International Airport after experiencing engine-related issues. It wasn’t long after the plane landed that it suddenly burst into flames, sending everyone at the airport into panic, especially the passengers still onboard.
“As soon as the plane landed, we smelled this weird burning plastic smell and then everybody started screaming and saying there was a fire,” a passenger told CBS News. Others on board were nervous the plane would explode or roast them alive before the fire was put out. Multiple people could be seen atop the aircraft’s wing before being helped down to escape the fire and smoke. One passenger said he could even “feel the heat from the flames” as they ran across the tarmac.
Fortunately, all 172 passengers, including the American Airlines crew, escaped the fiery scene safely, with only 12 people suffering minor injuries. Still, those on that flight are likely traumatized for life after this event and might even reconsider ever flying again.
“Omg! What’s going on with all these planes?” exclaims a TikTok commenter, reacting to the appalling story. “I’m not getting on no planes anytime soon,” remarks another. “Crazy [that there are] so many plane crashes recently,” chimes in a third. Besides this close-call incident, American Airlines has also been in the news for wild passengers aboard its flights. Whether getting attacked by a violent madman or risking a possible accident, flying seems like a bad idea right now to many.
Many are putting the blame on Trump’s presidency, while others are claiming the companies managing Boeing aircraft or airlines lack competency. Whatever the case, one Redditor couldn’t have said it better: “Man, this seems like a bad time to fly.”
