A Frontier Airlines flight struck and killed a pedestrian on a runway at Denver International Airport on Friday, according to an audio recording of the incident. The plane, bound for Los Angeles, was taking off when it hit the individual, who had jumped the airport’s perimeter fence. The pilot immediately reported the incident to air traffic control, stating “we just hit somebody” and noting an engine fire.
The incident occurred around the time of departure, with the pilot initially being cleared for takeoff by the tower. About 30 seconds later, the pilot reported stopping on the runway and announced the collision. Air traffic control then provided instructions on how to safely exit the runway. The passengers and crew eventually evacuated the plane using inflatable slides due to smoke in the aircraft.
Runway Incident Details
No major injuries were reported among the 224 passengers and seven crew members on board. However, 12 people reported minor injuries, with five being transported to area hospitals. The pedestrian, who has not been identified, was killed in the incident. An investigation is underway, with Frontier Airlines and the National Transportation Safety Board involved.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy referred to the person as a “trespasser” in a social media post. The airport stated that the pedestrian jumped the perimeter fence and was hit two minutes later while crossing the runway. The fence was found to be intact, and the individual is not believed to be an airport employee.
The runway where the incident occurred reopened just before 11 a.m. local time, according to Denver International Airport. The incident has raised concerns about airport security and the measures in place to prevent such incidents.
Investigation and Aftermath
The incident is being investigated by Frontier Airlines and the National Transportation Safety Board. The airport has stated that the pedestrian was not an employee, and the circumstances surrounding the incident are still being determined. The incident has significant implications for airport security and the need for effective measures to prevent trespassing.
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of airport security and the need for vigilance in preventing such incidents. As the investigation continues, it is likely that measures will be taken to review and improve airport security protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future.
