New Delhi, July 27 -- A mechanical malfunction on an American Airlines flight moments before takeoff led to a dramatic evacuation at Denver International Airport on Saturday afternoon. Passengers aboard Flight 3023, bound for Miami, were forced to evacuate onto the runway after a brake fire broke out beneath the aircraft.

The incident occurred around 2:45 p.m. local time as the Boeing 737 MAX 8 began its takeoff roll. According to American Airlines, the plane experienced a "mechanical issue" that caused the aircraft to decelerate abruptly. Blown tires and braking triggered a localized fire near the landing gear, prompting the crew to initiate an emergency evacuation.

"All 173 passengers and six crew members deplaned safely," the airline...