A Frontier Airlines flight from Denver to Los Angeles turned into a tragic and shocking incident late Friday night after it struck a person who had illegally entered an active runway at Denver International Airport. The collision led to an engine fire and forced an emergency evacuation of all passengers.
Frontier Airlines Flight 4345 was carrying 224 passengers and seven crew members when the incident occurred around 11:19 pm local time. The aircraft, an Airbus A321neo, was accelerating for takeoff when it hit an individual who had reportedly crossed security fencing and entered the runway area.
What exactly happened?
According to airport officials at Denver International Airport, the impact caused a sudden engine fire. The pilots immediately aborted the takeoff and stopped the aircraft on the runway.
Air traffic control audio later revealed the confusion and shock in the cockpit, with pilots reporting an engine fire and confirming they had struck a person. Airport communications also indicated that human remains were found on the runway, highlighting the severity of the crash.
Inside the cabin, passengers experienced panic as smoke spread following the engine explosion. Several travellers described loud blasts, crying children, and thick smoke filling the aircraft. Emergency slides were deployed as passengers quickly evacuated onto the runway.
The fire was brought under control by emergency teams, but the situation had already caused widespread chaos. Photos from the scene showed passengers wrapped in blankets standing near the damaged aircraft.
Authorities confirmed that the victim was a trespasser and not an airport worker. US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the individual had deliberately climbed over a perimeter fence before entering the restricted area. Investigators, however, noted that no visible breach in the fencing was found during initial checks.
