A tragic incident occurred at Denver International Airport when a trespasser reportedly died after being sucked into a plane engine while a Frontier Airlines aircraft was preparing for takeoff.
Incident Details
Airport authorities confirmed that the unidentified individual jumped a perimeter fence and entered the runway area before being struck by the aircraft. The aircraft, Frontier Airlines Flight 4345, was preparing to depart for Los Angeles International Airport when the collision occurred.
The impact triggered an engine fire warning, forcing an emergency evacuation of the plane. According to air traffic control audio, the pilot reported that the aircraft had "just hit somebody" on the runway, adding that there was smoke and an engine fire indication. The crew aborted takeoff and requested emergency assistance.
Passenger Evacuation
The plane carried 224 passengers and seven crew members. Videos shared online showed passengers evacuating via inflatable emergency slides while smoke filled parts of the cabin. Some passengers carried bags as they exited onto the runway before being moved away by crew members.
Frontier Airlines confirmed the aircraft struck one person on the runway and that takeoff was immediately aborted after smoke was detected. The cause of the smoke remains under investigation.
Injuries and Aftermath
Passengers were later transported to the terminal by bus. Airport officials reported that 12 passengers suffered minor injuries during the evacuation, while five were taken to hospital for treatment.
Passenger Jacob Anthens shared videos online showing the evacuation and described hearing what "felt like an explosion" before smoke spread. He also posted images showing damage to one of the aircraft's engines.
The National Transportation Safety Board has launched an investigation. Runway 17L at Denver International Airport was temporarily closed before reopening.
This incident occurred one day after a Delta Air Lines employee died while working at Orlando International Airport. A separate investigation into that incident is also underway.
