American Airline passengers fled as a plane caught fire at Denver International Airport.

Flight AA-3023, bound for Miami and carrying 173 travellers, was accelerating for takeoff when a loud explosion was heard on July 26 at 2:45 pm.

Footage shows fliers gathered safely on the grassy side of the runway with their families after a forced evacuation. Fire trucks and emergency responders were also seen nearby.

Eyewitness Mark Tsurkis said: ‘After about 30 seconds, we heard a loud boom. I knew something happened. The captain started slowing down right away.'

Mark added that the plane slowed down and a fire broke out near the landing gear shortly after the evacuation order was given.

He said: ‘It seems like a front left landing gear tire blew up, and we saw another wheel come off and pass us on the left.'

Denver Airport officials confirmed that all 173 passengers and crew safely evacuated the aircraft. Five required on-site medical assistance, while one person was taken to the hospital with minor injuries.

The Denver Fire Department extinguished the fire by 5:10 pm.

American Airlines said the aircraft suffered a tire-related maintenance issue and has been removed from service for inspection.

The airline said: ‘All customers and crew deplaned safely, and the aircraft was taken out of service to be inspected by our maintenance team.'