Pedestrian killed after Frontier Airlines plane strikes person on Denver airport runway

WASHINGTON: A Frontier Airlines aircraft struck and killed a pedestrian on a runway at Denver International Airport late Friday night after the individual reportedly breached airport security and entered the airfield moments before the plane’s departure.

According to airport officials, the Airbus A321 was preparing to depart for Los Angeles when the crew reported hitting a person on the runway during takeoff.

The aircraft immediately halted its departure as emergency teams responded to the scene.

Authorities said the individual had crossed the airport’s perimeter fence and reached the runway area shortly before the collision.

Officials added that the deceased was not believed to be an airport employee. The person’s identity has not yet been released.

The impact also triggered a minor engine fire, causing smoke to spread inside the cabin.

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All 224 passengers and seven crew members onboard were safely evacuated from the aircraft.

Airport officials said 12 people suffered minor injuries during the evacuation process, while five individuals were taken to nearby hospitals for further treatment.

Frontier Airlines said it is cooperating fully with airport authorities and federal agencies as investigations continue into the incident.

Denver International Airport later confirmed that the affected runway was reopened after emergency crews cleared the scene.

Officials also inspected the section of fencing reportedly crossed by the pedestrian and said no visible damage or breach was found.

US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said local law enforcement agencies are leading the investigation with assistance from the Federal Aviation Administration and the Transportation Security Administration.