E-Paper
Frontier Airlines flight hits pedestrian on runway, leads to engine fire: What we know
The Frontier Airlines flight, an Airbus A321, was carrying 224 passengers and seven crew members at the time of the incident.
A flight departing from Denver International Airport in Colorado, US reportedly hit a pedestrian on the runway during take-off for Los Angeles, Reuters reported on Saturday.
The Denver International Airport issued a statement saying that “Frontier Flight 4345 reported striking a pedestrian during takeoff” at around 11:19 pm (local time) on Friday.
“Frontier Flight 4345 reported striking a pedestrian during takeoff at DEN at approximately 11:19 p.m. on Friday, May 8, 2026. There was a brief engine fire that was promptly extinguished by the Denver Fire Dept,” the airport said in a statement.
The Frontier Airlines flight, an Airbus A321, was carrying 224 passengers and seven crew members at the time of the incident. The person hit by the aircraft "was at least partially consumed by one of the engines," ABC News reported.
“Emergency crews responded to the scene and bussed passengers to the terminal. 231 souls were on board. Emergency response and investigation are ongoing. The NTSB has been notified. Runway 17L will remain closed while the investigation is conducted,” the airport statement added.
What the airline said?
Frontier Airlines said the Airbus A321 was departing from Denver to Los Angeles International Airport when the incident occurred.
"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 said in a statement.
The airport said that the engine fire that was promptly extinguished by the Denver Fire Department. The airline said it is investigating the incident and gathering information from the authorities.
"We are investigating this incident and gathering more information in coordination with the airport and other safety authorities. We are deeply saddened by this event," the airline added.
The National Transportation Safety Board has been notified and runway 17L at Denver International Airport will remain closed during investigation, according to the airport.
