A Frontier Airlines aircraft struck and killed a pedestrian on the runway at Denver International Airport during takeoff, leading to an engine fire and the evacuation of passengers, according to airport authorities.
Incident Details
The plane, which was en route from Denver to Los Angeles International Airport, “reported striking a pedestrian during takeoff at DEN at approximately 11:19 p.m. on Friday,” the airport’s official X account stated.
A spokesperson for the airport confirmed that the pedestrian, who jumped a perimeter fence, has died. The unidentified individual was hit just two minutes after entering the airport grounds. The person is not believed to be an airport employee.
Pilot Communication
“We’re stopping on the runway,” the pilot told the control tower, according to the site ATC.com. “We just hit somebody. We have an engine fire.”
The pilot informed the air traffic controller that there were “231 souls” on board and that an “individual was walking across the runway.”
The air traffic controller responded that they were “rolling the trucks now,” after which the pilot reported, “We have smoke in the aircraft. We are going to evacuate on the runway.”
Airline Statement
Frontier Airlines confirmed in a statement that flight 4345 was the one involved in the collision and that “smoke was reported in the cabin and the pilots aborted takeoff.” It remains unclear whether the smoke was directly linked to the collision with the pedestrian.
“The Airbus A321 was carrying 224 passengers and seven crew members,” the airline said. “We are investigating this incident and gathering more information in coordination with the airport and other safety authorities.”
Evacuation and Injuries
Passengers were evacuated via emergency slides, and the emergency crew transported them by bus to the terminal. The airport spokesperson reported that 12 passengers sustained minor injuries, and five were taken to local hospitals.
Investigation
Denver International Airport stated that the National Transportation Safety Board has been notified. Runway 17L, where the incident occurred, will remain closed while an investigation is conducted. It is expected to reopen later today.
