A person who reportedly breached security and entered a runway at Denver International Airport was struck and killed by a departing Frontier Airlines aircraft, triggering an emergency evacuation and temporary runway closure.
Airport authorities said the incident occurred late Friday night as Frontier Airlines Flight 4345 was preparing to depart from Denver to Los Angeles International Airport. Officials stated that the individual had climbed a perimeter fence and entered the runway area moments before being hit by the aircraft during takeoff.
According to air traffic control communications, the pilot reported striking a person on the runway before informing controllers of an engine fire and smoke inside the aircraft. Emergency crews were immediately dispatched to the scene.
The plane was carrying 224 passengers and seven crew members. Authorities said passengers were evacuated using emergency slides while rescue teams assisted them from the runway to the terminal.
At least 12 passengers sustained minor injuries during the evacuation, with five taken to hospital for further treatment.
Witness videos shared online appeared to show smoke coming from the aircraft and passengers exiting calmly through emergency slides. Some passengers described scenes of confusion and delays while awaiting transport back to the terminal.
The airport confirmed that the National Transportation Safety Board has been notified and that investigations are underway to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident. The affected runway was temporarily closed before reopening on Saturday.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the individual deliberately breached airport security and warned against trespassing in restricted airport zones.
The incident comes amid heightened attention on aviation safety following several recent accidents and emergencies involving aircraft and airport operations across the United States.
