Runway Collision
A Frontier Airlines plane struck and killed a pedestrian on a Denver International Airport runway late Friday night. The plane, Frontier Flight 4345, was taking off for Los Angeles International Airport around 11:19 p.m. when the incident occurred. The individual was struck two minutes after jumping a perimeter fence, according to airport officials.
Emergency Response
The pilots aborted takeoff after reporting striking a pedestrian and having an engine fire. All 224 passengers and seven crew members evacuated the Airbus A321 safely using inflatable slides. Smoke was reported in the cabin after the collision. Twelve people reported minor injuries during the evacuation. Five were transported to local hospitals for treatment. The majority of passengers departed later on a new Frontier flight.
Witness Account
John Anthens, a passenger on the plane, told CBS News he saw a spark and what he described as a big explosion in the wing and engine area. Anthens said thick smoke filled the cabin, and passengers were screaming. He estimated that passengers waited on the runway for about an hour in the cold before buses arrived.
Investigation Underway
The National Transportation Safety Board is coordinating with the FAA, Denver airport operations, and local law enforcement to gather information. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy referred to the individual as a "trespasser" and said local law enforcement is investigating. The pedestrian has not been identified and is not believed to be an airport employee. The airport said the fenceline around the facility is intact.
Airport Operations
Runway 17L, where the collision occurred, reopened just before 11 a.m. Saturday. Air traffic control audio captured the pilot reporting, "We just hit somebody. We have an engine fire," and that there "was an individual walking across the runway." Images appear to show blood on the plane's engine. The plane was partially consumed by one of the engines, leading to a brief fire.
