“I started grabbing my friend’s hands, I was like, ‘Oh my god’, and then they slammed on the brakes, and we all went forward, and they finally brought the plane to a stop,” she said. “It was just terrifying.”
One passenger was taken to a hospital with a minor injury, American Airlines said. Five people were evaluated for injuries at the scene but did not require hospitalisation, airport officials said.
“About halfway to take-off speed, we hear a big bang and a pop,” passenger Shaun Williams told KUSA-TV. “The pilot immediately started abort procedures for taking off. You could feel him start to hit the brakes.”
Firefighters extinguished a fire on the aircraft, the Denver Fire Department said.
“All customers and crew deplaned safely, and the aircraft was taken out of service to be inspected by our maintenance team,” American Airlines said.
The aviation administrator said it was investigating.
Armistead said she was thankful for everyone who helped her and the other passengers.
“You’ve just got to appreciate what you’re given, and I’m so grateful that it wasn’t worse,” Armistead said.
AP
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