A person was killed after being struck by a departing Frontier Airlines aircraft at Denver International Airport late Friday night, triggering an emergency evacuation and a major security investigation.
According to authorities, the incident occurred when a Frontier Airlines Airbus A321, preparing to depart for Los Angeles, collided with an individual who had reportedly entered the runway area after breaching airport security barriers. Air traffic control audio reportedly captured the pilot informing controllers moments after takeoff clearance that the aircraft had struck someone and was experiencing an engine fire.
Engine Fire Sparks Panic Among Passengers
Officials said the aircraft was already accelerating at high speed when the collision occurred. The impact reportedly caused a small engine fire and smoke inside the cabin, leading to panic among passengers onboard. One passenger described hearing a loud impact before noticing flames coming from the aircraft’s wing, saying many onboard feared for their safety as smoke spread through the cabin.
Emergency crews responded immediately, and all 224 passengers and crew members were safely evacuated using emergency slides. Authorities confirmed that at least 12 passengers suffered minor injuries during the evacuation, with several transported to nearby hospitals for treatment. Firefighters quickly extinguished the engine fire, preventing further damage to the aircraft.
Investigation Underway Into Security Breach
Airport officials confirmed that the individual who died had reportedly jumped over a perimeter fence and accessed the restricted runway area shortly before the incident. The runway was temporarily closed following the accident as federal aviation and law enforcement agencies launched an investigation into the security breach and the exact circumstances surrounding the fatal collision.
Authorities stressed that airport runways and operational zones are highly restricted areas and warned that unauthorized access can lead to deadly consequences for both individuals and aircraft operations. The identity of the deceased has not yet been publicly released, and the investigation remains ongoing.
