Incident Overview
Late Friday night, a tragic incident occurred at Denver International Airport (DEN) when a Frontier Airlines plane, preparing for takeoff to Los Angeles, struck and killed a pedestrian crossing the runway. The collision took place around 11:19 p.m. local time, prompting immediate action from the flight crew and airport authorities.
Emergency Response
In response to the incident, Frontier Airlines reported that “smoke was reported in the cabin,” leading pilots to abort the takeoff. Subsequently, the airline initiated an evacuation of the aircraft via emergency slides as a precautionary measure. The statement from Frontier expressed deep sorrow over the event, underscoring the seriousness of the situation faced by both crew and passengers.
Reports indicated that the individual who was struck by the aircraft was “at least partially consumed” by one of the plane’s engines, resulting in a brief fire. The airport confirmed that the pedestrian was not a staff member and had unlawfully accessed the runway.
Airport Findings
Denver International Airport issued a statement detailing the sequence of events. According to their report, the pedestrian had jumped the perimeter fence before being hit by the aircraft just two minutes later. Consequently, airport officials affirmed that the fence remained intact following subsequent examinations.
“DEN can confirm the pedestrian jumped the perimeter fence and was hit just two minutes later while crossing the runway,” the statement remarked. The identity of the deceased individual has not been disclosed, as authorities are still working to confirm their status.
Casualties and Ongoing Investigation
As a result of the incident, 12 individuals on board reported minor injuries, with five passengers requiring transportation to local hospitals for further treatment. The Airbus A321 was carrying 224 passengers along with seven crew members at the time of the incident.
Following the emergency, many passengers were successfully transferred to another Frontier flight heading to Los Angeles. The swift action taken by airport personnel and the airline allowed for a relatively smooth relocation of those affected.
Conclusion
The incident underscores the critical importance of wildlife and pedestrian safety at airports. Denver International Airport is currently reviewing its security measures and policies related to perimeter access to prevent similar occurrences in the future. The investigation is ongoing, and further information will be released as it becomes available.
The airline community and airport authorities express their condolences and concern for all affected, particularly the family and friends of the deceased.
Source: Original Reporting
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