A tragic incident occurred at Denver International Airport when a Frontier Airlines flight struck and killed a pedestrian on the runway during takeoff. The individual was at least partially consumed by one of the aircraft's engines, leading to an engine fire that was subsequently extinguished by firefighters.
Evacuation and Emergency Response
Passengers were evacuated from the Airbus A321 via emergency slides on the runway and were transported to terminals by emergency crews on buses. The flight, operating as Frontier 4345, was bound for Los Angeles International Airport.
Air traffic control audio captured the pilot reporting the crisis: "Tower, Frontier 4345, we're stopping on the runway. Uh, we just hit somebody... we have an engine fire." When asked about the number of people on board, the pilot responded, "We have 231 souls on board... There was an individual walking across the runway." Shortly after, the pilot reported deteriorating conditions: "We've got smoke on the aircraft, we're gonna evacuate on the runway."
Official Statements
Frontier Airlines released a statement: "As flight 4345 was departing this evening from Denver International Airport to Los Angeles International Airport, the aircraft reportedly struck a pedestrian on the runway during takeoff. Smoke was reported in the cabin and the pilots aborted takeoff. Passengers were then safely evacuated via slides as a matter of precaution. The Airbus A321 was carrying 224 passengers and seven crew members. We are investigating this incident and gathering more information in coordination with the airport and other safety authorities. We are deeply saddened by this event."
According to a source familiar with the matter, airport security had been checking the east perimeter fence for any breaches earlier that morning, and the individual struck did not appear to be connected to construction work on an adjacent runway.
The Denver Police Department is supporting the investigation but has not released further details while enquiries remain active. At least one passenger sustained a minor injury, and all individuals aboard are being assessed as per standard protocol following an aircraft evacuation.
