Passengers Valued Luggage Over Lives When American Airlines Plane Caught Fire on the Runway in Denver

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Videos shared by passengers and verified by multiple outlets showed several individuals sliding down the escape chutes with backpacks, roller bags, and duffels in hand. This is a violation of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) safety protocols and is a specific example mentioned of what not to do in an emergency at the start of every flight. The FAA has repeatedly warned that bringing personal items during evacuations can slow escape and injure others. It’s not without precedent: dozens of people died in 2019 when a plane in Russia caught fire and passengers in the back were stuck as those in the front grabbed their bags.

The fire was extinguished quickly by emergency personnel after the evacuation. In a statement, American Airlines said the flight “experienced a mechanical issue upon landing,” according to CNN, and that the aircraft was towed to the gate after all passengers were safely evacuated and accounted for.

The National Transportation Safety Board said it is monitoring the incident but has not yet opened a formal investigation. FAA officials confirmed they are reviewing the evacuation response, including reports of passengers retrieving luggage.

On Reddit, commenters were quick to point out that essentials like phones, wallets, certain medicines, and passports should be kept in pockets or on your person.

“Say the plane doesn’t blow up, you can go back and get your luggage,” realbobenray commented. “Say the plane does blow up, was your luggage really that important?”

“That’s why the idea of being trapped in a metal cage with hundreds of idiots inside terrifies me,” eastern_petal added.

“A concern with luggage and shoes is that it can tear a hole in the inflatable slide, too,” a user going by ThePolemicist commented. “The only time I could imagine that maybe it’s OK is if you have your purse on your lap already. Might as well swing it over your shoulder at that point. But a suitcase??? No. Not only are you holding people up, but you can damage the escape route.”

The flight crew was praised for responding quickly and initiating the emergency procedures in line with protocol, helping prevent any serious injuries. However, there may not be the same outcome in future fires if people continue to prioritize luggage over lives.