Frontier Airlines Plane Hits Pedestrian During Takeoff At Denver Airport One Dead
A pedestrian was killed after being struck by a Frontier Airlines aircraft during takeoff at Denver International Airport late Friday night, officials confirmed.
The Airbus A321 was preparing to depart for Los Angeles International Airport when the incident occurred around 11:19 pm local time. According to airport authorities, the individual had allegedly breached airport security and entered the runway area moments before the collision.
Air traffic control audio captured the pilot reporting the emergency shortly after impact.
“We’re stopping on the runway. We just hit somebody. We have an engine fire,” the pilot told the control tower.
The pilot also confirmed there were 231 people onboard, including crew members, and informed authorities that an individual had been walking across the runway.
Following the collision, smoke was reported inside the aircraft, prompting an emergency evacuation using inflatable slides. Airport fire crews responded quickly and managed to extinguish the engine fire.
Officials stated that the pedestrian was not an airport employee and had climbed over a perimeter fence before entering the restricted area. The airport later confirmed the person died from injuries sustained in the incident.
Twelve passengers suffered minor injuries during the evacuation process, while five were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Runway 17L remained temporarily closed as authorities launched an investigation into the incident and the security breach.
Frontier Airlines said it is cooperating with airport officials and federal investigators while expressing condolences over the tragedy.
