A Frontier Airlines plane struck and killed a person on the runway at Denver International Airport during takeoff late Friday, causing an engine fire and forcing passengers to evacuate. The aircraft, Flight 4345 bound for Los Angeles, reported hitting a pedestrian at approximately 11:19 pm local time, according to the airport's official X account.
An airport spokesperson confirmed that the individual had jumped a perimeter fence and died at the scene. The deceased has not been identified but is not believed to be an airport employee. The person had been on the airport grounds for about two minutes before being struck.
US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy described the victim as a “trespasser” who “deliberately scaled a permit fence and ran out on to a runway”. He added that 12 people were injured, with five hospitalised. Local law enforcement, supported by the FAA and TSA, will investigate the security breach.
The pilot informed the control tower: “We’re stopping on the runway. We just hit somebody. We have an engine fire.” The pilot also reported 231 people on board and that an individual was walking across the runway. Frontier Airlines confirmed the Airbus A321 carried 224 passengers and seven crew members. Smoke was reported in the cabin, prompting an aborted takeoff and evacuation via slides.
Denver International Airport stated that the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has been notified, and runway 17L remains closed for investigation. Social media videos appeared to show the moment of impact and blood on the engine casing.
