A serious incident occurred at Denver International Airport late Friday night when a Frontier Airlines flight struck a pedestrian during takeoff. The Airbus A321, designated as Flight 4345 and en route to Los Angeles, reported the collision at approximately 11:19 PM. Following the impact, an engine fire was detected, prompting an urgent evacuation of the aircraft, which was carrying 224 passengers and seven crew members.
The pilot communicated with the control tower, indicating that the aircraft had hit an individual crossing the runway and subsequently noted, “We have smoke in the aircraft.” In response, the air traffic controller assured that emergency services were being dispatched, while the pilot confirmed the need to evacuate on the runway.
As smoke filled the cabin, the crew efficiently deployed evacuation slides to facilitate a quick exit for the passengers. Emergency crews arrived promptly, assisting in relocating the affected individuals to the terminal.
Details regarding the condition of the pedestrian struck during the incident remain unreported, as neither the airport authorities nor Frontier Airlines have provided updates. However, Frontier Airlines confirmed the flight’s identification and acknowledged reports of smoke in the cabin, although it is unclear whether this was directly related to the runway incident.
In the aftermath, Denver International Airport announced that the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has been alerted and that the runway where the event took place will be closed for further investigation.
This incident is part of a troubling trend of airport-related accidents. Just a day prior, a Delta Airlines employee tragically lost their life at Orlando International Airport when a vehicle collided with a jet bridge. Furthermore, on May 3, a United Airlines plane in Newark, New Jersey, was involved in a collision with a delivery truck and a light pole, raising serious safety concerns.
The recent events underline the importance of stringent safety protocols at airports, especially during the high-stress environment of takeoffs and landings. As investigations continue into both the Denver and Orlando incidents, aviation safety remains a focal point for officials and airlines alike.
