DENVER — A Frontier Airlines jet struck and killed a person on a runway at Denver International Airport during takeoff on Friday night, airport and airline officials said.
The incident occurred at approximately 11:19 p.m. local time on Runway 17L as Frontier Flight 4345, an Airbus A321 bound for Los Angeles, was departing, according to Denver International Airport. The aircraft carried 224 passengers and seven crew members.
The person had breached a perimeter fence and entered the active runway shortly before the collision, airport authorities said. The jet struck the individual, causing an engine fire that was quickly extinguished by airport firefighters. Pilots aborted the takeoff and the aircraft came to a stop.
All passengers and crew were evacuated using emergency slides. Twelve people reported minor injuries and five were taken to local hospitals for treatment, airport officials said. There were no other fatalities.
“The aircraft reportedly struck a pedestrian on the runway during takeoff,” Frontier Airlines said in a statement. “Our primary focus at this time is the care and support of our passengers and crew members.”
Denver Police Department and the Federal Aviation Administration are investigating the incident, including how the individual gained access to the restricted airfield area. The identity of the deceased has not been released.
Videos circulating on social media showed passengers evacuating the aircraft and emergency vehicles responding to the scene on the runway. Airport officials confirmed the runway was closed following the incident as authorities conducted their investigation.
Frontier Airlines said it was cooperating fully with investigators. The flight was scheduled to depart for Los Angeles International Airport.
As of Monday, Denver International Airport said operations had returned to normal, but the investigation into the security breach and the fatal collision remained ongoing. The National Transportation Safety Board has been notified and is expected to participate in the probe.
No further details about the circumstances of the perimeter breach were immediately available.
