In a heartbreaking incident late Friday night, a pedestrian was fatally struck by a Frontier Airlines aircraft during takeoff at Denver International Airport. The flight, bound from Denver to Los Angeles International Airport, reported the collision at approximately 11:19 p.m. According to official airport announcements, the individual, who trespassed by jumping a perimeter fence, died on the runway shortly after entering the airport grounds. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has initiated a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding this tragedy, focusing on airport security and passenger safety.
Passengers Evacuated After Engine Fire at Denver Airport
Flight 4345 was preparing for departure from Denver when the pilot suddenly communicated with air traffic control that the aircraft had collided with a pedestrian and was experiencing an engine fire. As a result, the pilot aborted takeoff and instructed passengers to evacuate immediately on the runway. According to official airport updates, 231 people were on board, consisting of 224 passengers and seven crew members. Passengers were evacuated using the emergency slides, and airport emergency crews transported them to the terminal by bus. Of the passengers, 12 suffered minor injuries, and five required hospital care. The exact cause of the smoke in the cabin is still under review, and Frontier Airlines has pledged to cooperate with safety authorities.
Runway Security Breach Sparks Aviation Safety Review
Denver International Airport has confirmed that the pedestrian gained access by scaling a perimeter fence, entering the airfield without authorization, just two minutes before being struck. Authorities have yet to identify the individual, who is not believed to be an airport employee. The NTSB and airport officials are closely examining security protocols to ensure such a breach never happens again. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy emphasized that trespassing on airport grounds is never acceptable and poses immense risk to both passengers and aviation staff.
Passenger Experiences: Evacuation in the Cold After Takeoff Halt
Eyewitnesses described a chaotic yet orderly evacuation. Jacob Anthens, a passenger on board, shared a video on social media showing passengers using evacuation slides with their belongings. He described how the engine appeared to explode as the plane lifted off, creating thick smoke that engulfed the cabin. Anthens noted that passengers were left on the runway in freezing conditions for more than an hour before being bused to the terminal. Another set of videos showed calm passengers walking down the aisle as instructed, despite the shock and cold.
NTSB and Airport Authorities Launch Safety Review
Denver Airport officials confirmed that runway 17L, where the collision occurred, was temporarily closed for investigation and reopened by Saturday morning. The NTSB is reviewing all operational factors, including the airport’s perimeter security and evacuation protocols.
For more travel news like this, keep reading Global Travel Wire
