Incident Details Emerge
A person attempting to cross an active runway at Denver International Airport was fatally struck by a Frontier Airlines jet during its takeoff on Friday night. The unidentified individual had apparently breached the airport's perimeter fence approximately two minutes prior to the collision. The aircraft, an Airbus A321neo bound for Los Angeles, subsequently aborted its takeoff after pilots reported an engine fire and smoke within the cabin.
The incident resulted in minor injuries for a dozen passengers, with five individuals requiring transport to local hospitals. Passengers were evacuated from the plane using emergency slides. Airport officials confirmed the deceased was not believed to be an airport employee. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have been involved in the investigation.
Aftermath and Response
The Frontier Airlines flight, carrying 231 passengers and crew members, was taken out of service. The majority of passengers were later accommodated on a different Frontier flight departing Denver. Disturbing visuals circulated online depicting the interior of the aircraft's engine casing stained with blood. Airport security was reportedly inspecting a section of the east perimeter fence for breaches on Saturday morning.
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Background
This event occurred at Denver International Airport during a nighttime takeoff sequence. The aircraft involved was a Frontier Airlines Airbus A321neo. Reports indicate that construction or work was occurring on a parallel runway at the time of the incident, though the individual struck was not believed to be connected to this activity. The flight was destined for Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
