Officials have confirmed that a person died at Denver International Airport after being struck by a Frontier Airlines flight. They had been partially consumed by one of the plane’s engines
A person has tragically died after being hit by a plane taking off on the runway at a major international airport.
The Frontier Airlines flight struck the individual who is believed to have been walking on the runway at Denver International Airport, US, on Friday night.
The incident happened at around 11.19pm when the Frontier Flight 4345 hit the pedestrian during takeoff, according to a statement from Denver International Airport. There were 231 people on board. ABS News reports that at least one passenger suffered a minor injury. Everyone on board was assessed as part of the standard post‑evacuation procedure.
The person killed was at least partially consumed by one of the plane’s engines, an official confirmed, causing a brief engine fire that was extinguished by firefighters.
Passengers evacuated the aircraft on the runway via slides and were taken to terminals by emergency crews.
Air traffic control audio from ATC.com captured the crew reporting the emergency to the tower. “Tower, Frontier 4345, we’re stopping on the runway. Uh, we just hit somebody… we have an engine fire,” the pilot is heard on the audio from ATC.
Asked how many people were aboard, the pilot responded: “We have 231 souls on board… There was an individual walking across the runway.” The pilot then reported worsening conditions and the need to evacuate. “We’ve got smoke on the aircraft, we’re gonna evacuate on the runway,” the pilot said.
The Denver fire Department responded to the scene and extinguished the fire. Frontier Airlines released the following 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.”
A source claimed airport security was inspecting the east perimeter fence on Saturday morning for gaps. The person struck did not appear to be connected to the work occurring on a parallel runway.
Denver Police Department is assisting with an investigation into the incident. No further information is currently available due to an active investigation.
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