Frontier Airlines Plane Hits Person on Denver Runway During Takeoff, Triggering Engine Fire
A person was killed after being struck by a Frontier Airlines plane during takeoff at Denver International Airport, forcing an emergency evacuation and temporarily shutting down a runway.
Airport officials said the individual breached airport security by scaling a perimeter fence before running onto the runway late Friday night.
The aircraft, identified as Frontier Flight 4345, was departing from Denver to Los Angeles International Airport when the collision occurred during takeoff.
Audio from air traffic control captured the pilot reporting:
“We just hit somebody. We have an engine fire.”
The plane was carrying more than 220 passengers and crew members. Pilots immediately aborted takeoff after smoke was reported inside the aircraft.
Passengers evacuated using emergency slides while firefighters and emergency crews rushed to the scene. Authorities said 12 passengers suffered minor injuries, with five transported to hospitals.
Photos and videos shared online appeared to show damage to one of the aircraft’s engines as passengers exited the plane on the runway.
US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed the person had illegally entered the secured airport area before the deadly collision.
Federal investigators, including the National Transportation Safety Board, are now investigating the incident.