A tragic incident unfolded at Denver International Airport when a person who jumped a fence entered a runway and was struck and killed by a departing Frontier Airlines plane. The collision, which occurred during the aircraft’s takeoff to Los Angeles International Airport, led to an engine fire and necessitated an immediate evacuation of the plane.
The incident took place at approximately 11:19 p.m. on Friday, prompting an urgent response from airport authorities. A spokesperson confirmed that the individual who breached the airport’s perimeter fence had entered the runway just two minutes before the collision. Authorities do not believe the person was an airport employee.
As the plane, identified as Frontier Airlines flight 4345, began its takeoff, the pilot communicated with the control tower, reporting the collision with a pedestrian and the presence of smoke in the cabin. The pilot indicated to air traffic control that there were “231 souls” on board, expressing concern over hitting an individual walking across the runway. In reaction, air traffic control confirmed they were “rolling the trucks” to assist.
Following the collision, the pilots aborted the takeoff. Frontier Airlines confirmed that smoke was reported in the cabin, although it remains unclear whether the smoke was directly related to the incident involving the pedestrian. The aircraft was carrying 224 passengers and seven crew members at the time.
Emergency evacuation procedures were swiftly executed, with passengers using inflatable slides to exit the aircraft. After evacuating, emergency crews transported the passengers to the terminal. Reports indicate that 12 passengers sustained minor injuries, while five were taken to local hospitals for further assessment.
Frontier Airlines is currently collaborating with the airport and relevant safety authorities to investigate the incident thoroughly. In a statement regarding the event, the airline emphasized the significance of ensuring passenger safety and supporting those affected.
The National Transportation Safety Board has been notified of the incident, and runway 17L, where the collision occurred, was initially closed for investigation but reopened by 11 a.m. the following day.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy addressed the situation on social media, condemning the individual’s actions for breaching airport security and scaling a perimeter fence to access the runway. He stressed that such trespassing poses a significant risk and should never occur.
This incident is particularly poignant, occurring just a day after the tragic death of a Delta Air Lines employee at Orlando International Airport under circumstances that remain undisclosed. Delta Air Lines has expressed its commitment to supporting the employee’s family and the Orlando team as the investigation into that incident continues.
