An engine on an American Airlines jet caught fire after the plane diverted to Denver on Thursday, forcing the evacuation of passengers using emergency slides, the Federal Aviation Administration said.

Footage shows passengers huddled on the wing of the commercial airliner, which was on the tarmac, as flames burn under the aircraft.

Images on social media show flames and smoke pouring from one of the engines of the Boeing 737-800. Twelve people were taken to hospital after evacuating the plane, including via one of the wings.