A Frontier Airlines flight departing from Denver International Airport struck a pedestrian on the runway during takeoff late Friday night, forcing an emergency evacuation of all passengers onboard.
According to airport officials, Frontier Flight 4345 was preparing to depart for Los Angeles International Airport when the incident occurred at approximately 11:19 p.m. local time.
The aircraft, an Airbus A321 carrying 224 passengers and seven crew members, reportedly collided with a person on the runway moments after accelerating for takeoff.
Frontier Airlines said pilots immediately aborted the takeoff after smoke began filling the cabin. Videos shared on social media appeared to show damage to one of the aircraft’s engines, including partially red-stained engine casing and damaged fan blades.
Passengers were evacuated from the aircraft using emergency slides while airport emergency crews rushed to the scene. Authorities later transported passengers back to the terminal by bus.
Neither the airline nor airport officials released information regarding the identity or condition of the pedestrian involved in the collision. It also remains unclear whether the reported engine fire was directly connected to the impact.
In a statement, Frontier Airlines said it was “deeply saddened by this event.”
Videos recorded by passengers appeared to capture the moment of impact, with a loud crashing sound heard inside the cabin followed by screams as the aircraft rapidly came to a stop.
The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed it has launched an investigation into the incident. Airport officials also said the National Transportation Safety Board had been notified.
Runway 17L at Denver International Airport was temporarily closed following the accident as investigators began examining the scene.
