The Denver takeoff that turned into a deadly and chaotic scene began with a fence jumper on the tarmac, escalated when a Frontier Airlines A321 struck that person during takeoff, and ended with an emergency evacuation, minor injuries among passengers, and ongoing investigations by federal and local authorities.
This story reads like a series of improbable events stacked together: a person hops a perimeter fence at Denver International Airport, runs onto an active runway, and is struck by a departing airliner. The plane aborted takeoff, reported smoke in the cabin, and evacuated passengers via slides as a precaution. Authorities and the airline scrambled to tend to injured passengers while investigators moved in to reconstruct what happened.
Airport officials said the pedestrian had jumped the fence and crossed the runway just before being hit, and the person has not been identified. “One person was struck and killed by a Frontier Airlines plane two minutes after jumping a perimeter fence and crossing a runway at Denver International Airport late Friday, the airport said.” The airport also noted the pedestrian is not believed to be an employee.
Flight 4345, an Airbus A321, was departing for Los Angeles with more than two hundred people on board when the collision occurred. “Flight 4345, an Airbus A321, was departing from Denver en route to Los Angeles and carried 224 passengers and seven crew members, Frontier Airlines said in a statement. It was scheduled to depart at 10:39 p.m. local time.” The pilot aborted takeoff and the aircraft returned to the terminal area for emergency response.
One person was struck and killed by a Frontier Airlines plane two minutes after jumping a perimeter fence and crossing a runway at Denver International Airport late Friday, the airport said.
The pedestrian, who has not been identified, is not believed to be an airport employee, the airport said in a statement.
Flight 4345, an Airbus A321, was departing from Denver en route to Los Angeles and carried 224 passengers and seven crew members, Frontier Airlines said in a statement. It was scheduled to depart at 10:39 p.m. local time.
As the plane was departing, “the aircraft reportedly struck a pedestrian on the runway during takeoff,” the airline said.
Emergency crews responded, passengers were brought back into the terminal, and a handful were taken to local hospitals. Authorities reported that twelve people suffered minor injuries and five were transported for further care. Airport and airline officials emphasized that the quick response limited more serious outcomes, though the fatality remains the central tragedy.
Emergency crews responded to the scene, and passengers were taken to the terminal. Twelve people reported minor injuries, and five of them were transported to local hospitals, according to the airport.
Complications continued after the aircraft returned: pilots and cabin crew reported smoke in the cabin, prompting an immediate evacuation down emergency slides. “Smoke was reported in the cabin and the pilots aborted takeoff. Passengers were then safely evacuated via slides as a matter of precaution.” The airline and emergency teams followed established evacuation procedures to get people out quickly.
Air traffic control audio captured what controllers heard and how the crew described the situation in real time. The recording included the pilot’s report about the number of people on board and the weight of fuel. Officials noted the plane had been accelerating at roughly 146 miles per hour before the takeoff was aborted, highlighting how quickly the situation unfolded.
Listen:
Air traffic control audio captured the moment after a Frontier Airlines flight struck and killed a pedestrian on the runway while departing Denver International Airport on Friday.
The person, who has not been identified, jumped the perimeter fence and was hit two minutes later while crossing the runway, the airport said.
Frontier Airlines is investigating the incident, and the National Transportation Safety Board was also notified.
The pilot’s remarks to the tower were specific about onboard conditions: “The pilot told controllers there were 231 people and more than 21,000 pounds of fuel on board, according to the audio clip.” Flight-tracking data showed the aircraft accelerating at the speeds typical for takeoff prior to the abort, underscoring the risk posed by an unexpected person on the runway.
The pilot told controllers there were 231 people and more than 21,000 pounds of fuel on board, according to the audio clip.
Data from flight-tracking website Flightradar24 showed the plane was accelerating at about 146 mph at roughly 11:15 p.m. local time before it aborted takeoff.
Passengers described the panic and confusion that followed the aborted takeoff and slide evacuations. One passenger shared a family member’s experience of a painful evacuation, noting the physical toll even when major injuries are avoided. Frontier released a brief expression of sorrow after the event and the FAA confirmed it is investigating along with the NTSB and local authorities.
Transportation Sec. Sean Duffy issued a statement the morning after, characterizing the incident as a deliberate breach of airport security and stressing the danger such actions create. The official statement laid out a timeline and the agencies involved in the response and emphasized that local law enforcement handles airport security. The comments were firm and direct about the obvious risk and its consequences.
Late last night, a trespasser breached airport security at Denver Int’l Airport, deliberately scaled a perimeter fence, and ran out onto a runway.
The trespasser on the runway was then struck by Frontier Airlines Flight 4345 during takeoff at high speed. The pilot stopped takeoff procedures immediately.
The Frontier plane was then quickly evacuated while law enforcement and firefighters responded.
Preliminary reports are 12 people were hurt, with 5 taken to the hospital.
Local law enforcement handles airport security and is investigating with support from the @FAANews and TSA.
No one should EVER trespass on an airport.
What happened at DIA is a stark reminder of the dangers that follow when anyone ignores secure perimeters at an active airport. Investigations are ongoing to determine every detail of how the breach occurred and to review security and response procedures. Meanwhile, families of those affected are dealing with injuries, unanswered questions, and a community trying to make sense of a preventable tragedy.
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