An individual was struck and killed by a Frontier Airlines plane on the runway at Denver International Airport during takeoff, leading to an engine fire and necessitating the evacuation of passengers. The incident occurred as the aircraft was departing for Los Angeles International Airport and was reported by the airport officials.
The pedestrian, who had breached a perimeter fence, tragically lost their life after being hit just two minutes after entering the runway area. The victim, who remains unidentified, is not believed to have been an airport employee.
The pilot informed the control tower of the collision, stating, “We just hit somebody. We have an engine fire,” adding that there were “231 souls” on board and that an individual was crossing the runway. Subsequently, the air traffic controller immediately initiated emergency procedures upon learning of the situation.
Frontier Airlines confirmed that Flight 4345 was involved in the incident, with reports of smoke in the cabin prompting the pilots to abort takeoff. The airline mentioned that 224 passengers and seven crew members were on the Airbus A321 aircraft during the mishap and stated an ongoing investigation in collaboration with airport authorities and safety agencies.
Passengers were safely evacuated using slides and then transported to the airport terminal by emergency services. Regrettably, 12 passengers sustained minor injuries, and five of them were taken to local hospitals for further evaluation.
The National Transportation Safety Board has been alerted, and the affected runway will remain closed while investigations are conducted. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy described the pedestrian as a “trespasser” who breached security protocols and unlawfully accessed the runway, leading to the tragic outcome.
This incident occurred shortly after the fatality of a Delta Air Lines employee at Orlando International Airport, emphasizing the importance of safety and security measures in aviation operations. The airline expressed condolences and pledged full cooperation with authorities in the ensuing investigation.
The circumstances surrounding both incidents underline the critical need for vigilance and adherence to safety protocols in airport environments to prevent such tragic events from occurring in the future.
