A pedestrian was killed after being struck by a Frontier Airlines aircraft during takeoff at Denver International Airport late Friday night, forcing the plane to abort departure and evacuate passengers on the runway.
According to airport officials, the incident happened around 11:19 p.m. when Frontier Airlines Flight 4345, bound for Los Angeles, reportedly hit a person who had entered the restricted runway area after jumping a perimeter fence.
Audio from air traffic control captured the pilot reporting the collision moments after takeoff began, stating, “We just hit somebody,” before also reporting an engine fire and smoke inside the aircraft.
The Airbus A321 was carrying 224 passengers and seven crew members at the time of the incident. Emergency crews quickly responded as passengers evacuated the plane using emergency slides before being transported back to the terminal by buses.
Airport authorities confirmed the pedestrian died at the scene and was not believed to be an airport employee. Officials said the person had entered airport grounds only minutes before the collision occurred.
Frontier Airlines said the pilots safely aborted takeoff after smoke was detected inside the cabin. The airline added that investigations are underway in coordination with airport and safety officials.
Authorities reported that 12 passengers suffered minor injuries during the evacuation, while five people were transported to local hospitals for further treatment.
Denver International Airport temporarily closed the affected runway as investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board examine the incident.
The tragedy came just one day after another fatal airport-related incident involving a Delta Air Lines employee at Orlando International Airport.