A pedestrian was struck and fatally injured by a Frontier Airlines aircraft during takeoff at Denver International Airport, resulting in an engine fire and the evacuation of passengers. The incident occurred as the plane was departing for Los Angeles International Airport, with the airport confirming the collision on its official social media account.
According to airport officials, the pedestrian, who breached a perimeter fence, succumbed to the injuries sustained after being hit by the plane two minutes into entering the runway area. The individual, who has not been identified, is not believed to be an airport staff member.
The pilot informed the control tower of the collision, stating that the aircraft had hit someone and that an engine fire had occurred. With 231 passengers and crew onboard, the pilot reported that an individual was walking across the runway. Subsequently, the air traffic controller mobilized emergency response vehicles, as the pilot mentioned smoke in the aircraft and the need for an evacuation on the runway.
Frontier Airlines confirmed that Flight 4345 was involved in the incident, noting reports of smoke in the cabin and an aborted takeoff. The airline stated that investigations are underway in collaboration with airport authorities and safety regulators to gather more information.
Passengers were safely evacuated using slides and transported to the terminal by emergency services. Twelve passengers sustained minor injuries, with five individuals taken to local hospitals for further evaluation. The National Transportation Safety Board has been informed, and runway 17L, where the accident occurred, will remain closed pending an investigation, expected to reopen later.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy labeled the pedestrian a “trespasser” who breached security protocols by scaling a perimeter fence and entering the runway area deliberately. Local law enforcement, along with the Federal Aviation Administration and the Transportation Security Administration, are conducting an investigation into the incident.
The tragic event follows another aviation-related fatality, where a Delta Air Lines employee lost their life at Orlando International Airport. Delta Air Lines expressed condolences and pledged support to the deceased employee’s family and colleagues, emphasizing cooperation with authorities for a comprehensive investigation.