A Frontier Airlines flight heading to Los Angeles encountered a tragic incident during takeoff on Friday night at Denver International Airport, striking a person who was reported walking on the runway. The collision resulted in serious consequences, with parts of the individual being drawn into one of the aircraft’s engines, leading to a brief fire that emergency crews promptly extinguished.
The unfortunate event occurred around 11:19 p.m. when Frontier Flight 4345 was preparing for its journey with 231 individuals on board. Following the collision, passengers were evacuated using emergency slides, and all were evaluated for any potential injuries, a standard procedure in such emergencies.
The Emergency Response
As the situation unfolded, the flight crew communicated the emergency to air traffic control. Audio recordings captured the pilot explaining, “Tower, Frontier 4345, we’re stopping on the runway. Uh, we just hit somebody… we have an engine fire.” The gravity of the situation became evident as smoke was reported inside the aircraft, prompting the pilot to order an immediate evacuation.
Emergency services quickly arrived at the scene. The Denver Fire Department responded admirably to manage the situation and eliminated the fire. A statement from Frontier Airlines confirmed the incident, expressing their deep sadness and concern over the tragedy. They stated, “As flight 4345 was departing this evening from Denver International Airport to Los Angeles International Airport, the aircraft reportedly struck a pedestrian on the runway during takeoff.” They further assured that a thorough investigation is underway, in collaboration with relevant safety authorities.
Investigation Underway
In the aftermath, airport security began investigating the eastern perimeter fence for any gaps, particularly since the individual involved did not appear to be part of any ongoing work near the site. The Denver Police Department is actively assisting with the inquiry, though no further details are currently available as the investigation is still in progress.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has also been alerted regarding this serious incident. As updates unfold, the community awaits more information about this developing story, emphasizing the need for safety and vigilance at airports.
