A trespasser who breached security at Denver International Airport was struck and killed by Frontier Airlines Flight 4345 during takeoff on Friday night, authorities reported.
The incident occurred around 11:19 p.m. local time on Runway 17L as the Airbus A321, bound for Los Angeles International Airport, accelerated for departure. The airport confirmed the individual jumped the perimeter fence and crossed the runway just two minutes later, where the plane hit them at high speed, about 139 mph according to flight data.
The pilot immediately aborted takeoff, reporting to air traffic control, We just hit somebody. We have an engine fire. A brief fire erupted in one engine, possibly after the person was partially ingested, and was quickly extinguished by Denver Fire Department crews. Smoke entered the cabin, prompting evacuation of the 231 people aboard, including 224 passengers and seven crew.
Airport staff later informed controllers of limbs and human remains on the runway. Preliminary reports indicate 12 to 17 people sustained minor injuries, with five hospitalized. Passengers were bused to the terminal and rebooked on another flight.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stated the trespasser deliberately scaled the fence, emphasizing, No one should EVER trespass on an airport. The airport inspected the intact fenceline and expressed sympathies. The deceased, not believed to be an employee, remains unidentified.
The National Transportation Safety Board was notified, and local law enforcement is investigating with FAA and TSA support. Runway 17L reopened Saturday around 11 a.m. Frontier Airlines is coordinating with authorities on the ongoing probe.