Frontier Airlines Plane Hits Pedestrian During Takeoff at Denver Airport, Engine Fire Forces Evacuation
A pedestrian died after being struck by a Frontier Airlines plane on the runway of Denver International Airport during takeoff. The incident led to an engine fire and forced passengers to evacuate.
Denver, USA: A Frontier Airlines plane hit and killed a pedestrian on the runway at the Denver International Airport during takeoff, causing an engine fire and prompting passengers to evacuate.
According to airport authorities, the incident occurred on the route from Denver to Los Angeles International Airport.
The plane 'reported striking a pedestrian during takeoff at DEN at approximately 11:19 p.m. on Friday,' as per the airport's official X account.
A spokesperson for the airport disclosed that the pedestrian, who had jumped a perimeter fence, died after being hit within two minutes of entering the airport.
The identity of the individual remains undisclosed, and they are not believed to be an employee of the airport.
During the incident, the pilot communicated with the control tower, reporting the accident and the ensuing engine fire.
The pilot informed air traffic controllers that there were 224 passengers and seven crew members on board, noting that an 'individual was walking across the runway.' Subsequently, the controller instructed that emergency vehicles were being deployed.
The pilot then reported smoke in the aircraft and executed a precautionary evacuation via slides on the runway due to safety concerns.
Frontier Airlines confirmed that flight 4345 was involved in the collision.
They stated that there was reported smoke within the cabin prompting the pilots to abort takeoff.
Twelve passengers suffered minor injuries, with five individuals being transported to local hospitals for medical attention.
The airline has expressed their intention to thoroughly investigate this incident alongside other safety agencies and the Denver Airport.
Consequently, runway 17L, where the event transpired, remains closed pending a full investigation and is expected to reopen later today.
This tragic pedestrian fatality follows another airport incident at Orlando International Airport, where a Delta Air Lines employee lost life under uncertain circumstances.
The airline has extended support to the affected family and is cooperating with local authorities in their investigation.
According to airport authorities, the incident occurred on the route from Denver to Los Angeles International Airport.
The plane 'reported striking a pedestrian during takeoff at DEN at approximately 11:19 p.m. on Friday,' as per the airport's official X account.
A spokesperson for the airport disclosed that the pedestrian, who had jumped a perimeter fence, died after being hit within two minutes of entering the airport.
The identity of the individual remains undisclosed, and they are not believed to be an employee of the airport.
During the incident, the pilot communicated with the control tower, reporting the accident and the ensuing engine fire.
The pilot informed air traffic controllers that there were 224 passengers and seven crew members on board, noting that an 'individual was walking across the runway.' Subsequently, the controller instructed that emergency vehicles were being deployed.
The pilot then reported smoke in the aircraft and executed a precautionary evacuation via slides on the runway due to safety concerns.
Frontier Airlines confirmed that flight 4345 was involved in the collision.
They stated that there was reported smoke within the cabin prompting the pilots to abort takeoff.
Twelve passengers suffered minor injuries, with five individuals being transported to local hospitals for medical attention.
The airline has expressed their intention to thoroughly investigate this incident alongside other safety agencies and the Denver Airport.
Consequently, runway 17L, where the event transpired, remains closed pending a full investigation and is expected to reopen later today.
This tragic pedestrian fatality follows another airport incident at Orlando International Airport, where a Delta Air Lines employee lost life under uncertain circumstances.
The airline has extended support to the affected family and is cooperating with local authorities in their investigation.
