More than 150 passengers were evacuated from an American Airlines flight on the runway at Denver International Airport on July 26 after a landing gear issue sparked a fire, officials said.
The Boeing 737 MAX 8, bound for Miami with 173 passengers and six crew members, experienced a blown tire during takeoff preparations, leading to a brake fire that caused panic on board. Passengers reported hearing a loud bang and seeing flames before emergency slides were deployed.
Emergency crews from the airport and Denver Fire Department responded quickly, extinguishing the fire and assisting with the evacuation. Five people were evaluated at the scene, and one passenger was taken to hospital with a minor injury. American Airlines confirmed the fire was caused by the combination of blown tires and braking during deceleration.
Airline Ratings, the world’s sole website specializing in airline safety and product ratings, published a list showcasing the most recent data. In making its evaluation, Airline Ratings takes into account "a comprehensive range of factors that include serious incidents, recent fatal accidents, audits from aviation’s governing and industry bodies, profitability, industry-leading safety initiatives, expert pilot training assessment and fleet age."
So, if you're planning to fly anytime soon, you might first want to browse this list of 25 airlines deemed the safest in the air. Click through and find out which airline has claimed the top spot.