Person who jumped perimeter fence is hit and killed by Frontier plane during takeoff on Denver runway, airport says

Frontier Plane Collides with Pedestrian on Denver Runway During Takeoff, Authorities Confirm

Person who jumped perimeter fence is hit – Denver International Airport confirmed that a pedestrian was fatally struck by a Frontier Airlines aircraft during its takeoff on Runway 17L late Friday night. The incident occurred two minutes after the individual breached the perimeter fence and entered the runway, according to the airport’s statement. The person, whose identity remains unknown, was not believed to be an airport employee. This event has raised questions about safety protocols and the potential risks of unauthorized access to flight paths.

Frontier Airlines stated that Flight 4345, an Airbus A321, was en route to Los Angeles when the collision took place. The aircraft was scheduled to depart at 10:39 p.m. local time but encountered the pedestrian at 11:19 p.m. The pilot reported the incident to air traffic control, prompting immediate action to abort the takeoff. As a precaution, passengers were evacuated via slides, and emergency services were called to the scene.

Emergency Response and Casualties

Smoke was detected in the cabin shortly after the collision, leading to the pilots’ decision to halt the takeoff. The Denver Fire Department responded swiftly, extinguishing a brief engine fire that followed. While the exact cause of the fire is under investigation, the airport reported that emergency crews managed to clear the area and restore Runway 17L by Saturday morning. Twelve individuals sustained minor injuries, with five requiring hospitalization for further evaluation.

“I looked to my right, and I just see the right wing just on fire and like, it’s exploding,” Jose Cervantes, a passenger on the flight, described to CNN affiliate KCNC. “The aircraft lands back down, and they kind of like swivel side to side, and then they stop, shut it off right away, and then the cabin starts to fill up with smoke.” He added, “I thought I was going to burn to death. You know, when I just saw the fire and the smoke, I just thought I was going to burn.”

Cervantes revealed that his mother, also on board, was among those injured. “My mom actually ended up going straight down the slide and like locking her knee when she hit the floor,” he said. “She doesn’t have any fractures, but we still gotta take her to the ER.” The passenger’s account highlights the chaotic sequence of events that unfolded during the emergency.

Passenger Accounts and Emotional Impact

The incident left a lasting impression on several passengers, with some opting to delay their travel plans. John Anthens, 56, and his 30-year-old son decided to skip their flight home to Nebraska, choosing instead to rent a car for an eight-hour drive. Anthens described the trauma of the event, recalling, “I saw a little spark, and then I saw and heard a big explosion, like a bomb going off.” He said the pilot’s report of the collision was the first indication of the problem, followed by the controller’s alert about emergency vehicles being dispatched.

Flight-tracking data from Flightradar24 indicated the plane was accelerating to approximately 146 miles per hour around 11:15 p.m. local time before the takeoff was aborted. The NTSB is collaborating with the FAA, Denver International Airport operations, and local law enforcement to investigate the incident. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy emphasized the importance of airport safety, stating, “No one should EVER trespass on an airport.” He noted that the individual had “deliberately” scaled the fence and stepped onto the runway, underscoring the need for stricter security measures.

Frontier Airlines expressed deep sorrow over the event, with a spokesperson noting, “We are deeply saddened by this event.” The airline is now working closely with authorities to determine the cause of the collision and assess any potential lapses in safety procedures. Meanwhile, the airport’s perimeter fence has been examined and found intact, though the incident has sparked renewed scrutiny of access controls.

The timeline of events has been pieced together from multiple sources, including audio from air traffic control. A clip shared via the ATC.com app captures the pilot informing controllers about the collision, followed by the controller’s request for emergency vehicles. The pilot also mentioned the presence of 231 people and over 21,000 pounds of fuel on board, highlighting the severity of the situation and the potential consequences of a mid-takeoff collision.

Following the incident, most passengers were able to board a subsequent Frontier flight by Saturday morning, with the airport reporting that operations resumed smoothly. However, the emotional toll on those affected is evident. Cervantes, who survived the crash, described the moment he felt the plane tilt as it began its ascent. “I heard a thud and saw the right wing ignite,” he recounted. “It was like a bomb going off, and the aircraft swerved before stopping abruptly.” His account provides a firsthand perspective of the chaos that unfolded.

John Anthens, who chose to stay behind, shared his experience of the ordeal. “The moment the plane hit the ground, I felt a jolt,” he said. “The cabin filled with smoke almost instantly, and the pilots made the right decision to stop the takeoff.” His son, who also experienced the event, expressed similar sentiments. “It was terrifying,” he added. “We didn’t know what was happening, but we trusted the crew to handle it.”

The FAA is leading the investigation into the incident, with spokesperson Jon Henning confirming that authorities are reviewing all available data. The NTSB’s involvement is critical, as it aims to analyze the sequence of events, including the pedestrian’s actions and the aircraft’s response. “The pilot stopped takeoff procedures immediately,” Henning stated, highlighting the quick decision-making that prevented a more catastrophic outcome.

As the investigation continues, the focus is on understanding why the pedestrian entered the runway and how the incident could have been avoided. The airport has reiterated that its perimeter fence was not compromised, suggesting that the individual may have been a trespasser or someone who misjudged the situation. Despite the safety measures in place, the collision serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by unauthorized access to active runways.

CNN has contacted both the Denver Fire Department and Frontier Airlines for additional details, with updates expected as the inquiry progresses. The airport’s statement also mentioned that the runway was cleared and reopened by Saturday, allowing for normal operations to resume. However, the event has prompted discussions about improving security systems and increasing awareness among travelers about runway safety.

The collision underscores the critical importance of adhering to airport protocols, especially during high-traffic hours. While the immediate aftermath has been managed, the incident remains a focal point for regulatory agencies and the airline as they work to prevent similar occurrences. Passengers and staff alike are now reflecting on the incident, emphasizing the need for vigilance and proactive safety measures in aviation operations.