A Frontier Airlines flight bound for Los Angeles struck and killed an unidentified person on the runway at Denver International Airport (DEN) late Friday night. The impact occurred during takeoff, igniting an engine fire and prompting an emergency evacuation of the 231 passengers aboard the Airbus A321neo.
The individual had breached airport security, scaled a perimeter fence, and entered a live runway, according to Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy. This trespass reportedly happened approximately two minutes after the person entered airport grounds.
The incident led to minor injuries among passengers, with 12 reporting non-life-threatening issues and five being transported to local hospitals. Emergency crews responded, and passengers were bused back to the terminal. Most passengers were able to depart on a replacement Frontier flight later. Runway 17L, the site of the collision, was temporarily closed for investigation but reopened Saturday morning. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has been notified.
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A Chaotic Scene
Video circulating online depicted passengers disembarking the aircraft on the tarmac. Some accounts from passengers described hearing a thud and an explosion-like sound immediately after the plane began its takeoff roll and its wheels left the ground. One passenger noted blood visible inside the engine casing after the evacuation.
The individual killed is not believed to be an airport employee. Airport officials stated they have examined the fence line and found it to be intact, though investigations into the breach are ongoing.
A Day of Airport Tragedies
The Denver incident follows another fatality at an airport just the day prior. On Thursday night, a Delta Air Lines employee died at Orlando International Airport (MCO) when a vehicle struck a jet bridge adjacent to an aircraft with passengers onboard.
Read More: Frontier Flight Hits Person on Denver Runway, Engine Catches Fire
Timeline of Events
Friday Night, Late: Frontier Airlines flight 507, bound for Los Angeles, strikes an individual on Runway 17L during takeoff at DEN. An engine fire ensues.
Following Impact: Passengers evacuate the aircraft on the runway.
Saturday Morning: Runway 17L reopens around 11 a.m. local time. Investigations commence, involving the NTSB.
Thursday Night (Previous Day): A Delta Air Lines employee dies at Orlando International Airport.
