Unauthorized Individual Fatally Struck by Frontier Airlines Plane During Takeoff at Denver Airport
A person who breached security at Denver International Airport was struck and killed by a Frontier Airlines aircraft during takeoff, leading to an engine fire and passenger evacuation.
On Friday night, a Frontier Airlines flight bound for Los Angeles struck and killed an unauthorized individual on the runway during takeoff at Denver International Airport. The incident occurred around 11:19 p.m. local time when the person, who had breached a perimeter fence approximately two minutes earlier, was hit by the aircraft.
The collision resulted in an engine fire, prompting the pilots to abort the takeoff. Smoke was reported in the cabin, leading to the evacuation of all 224 passengers and seven crew members via emergency slides. Twelve individuals sustained minor injuries, with five transported to local hospitals.
The identity of the deceased has not been publicly disclosed, but authorities confirmed the individual was not an airport employee. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy emphasized the dangers of trespassing on airport grounds, stating, "No one should EVER trespass on an airport."
The National Transportation Safety Board has been notified and is investigating the incident. Runway 17L, where the event occurred, was temporarily closed but has since reopened.