Frontier Flight Aborts Takeoff After Deadly Denver Runway Breach

A Frontier Airlines flight was forced to abort takeoff at Denver International Airport late Friday, May 8, after the aircraft struck a person who had entered an active runway, officials said. The collision triggered an engine fire and emergency evacuation, leaving multiple passengers injured.

The incident involved Frontier Flight 4345, an Airbus A321neo, at approximately 11:19 PM local time. Airport authorities said the individual allegedly climbed over a perimeter fence before entering the restricted airfield area.
 

Engine Fire Sparks Emergency Evacuation

According to officials, pilots immediately initiated emergency braking after impact. The aircraft later experienced an engine fire, with smoke reportedly entering the cabin as terrified passengers evacuated using emergency slides.

Social media videos appeared to show flames near the aircraft engine while passengers screamed during the sudden stop on the runway.

Airport authorities confirmed that 12 passengers suffered minor injuries during the evacuation, while five people were transported to local hospitals for further evaluation.

FAA and TSA Investigating Denver Airport Incident

The person struck by the aircraft died at the scene. Authorities said the individual was not believed to be an airport employee, and the identity has not yet been released publicly.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the trespasser deliberately breached airport security by scaling a perimeter fence before entering the active runway area.

The FAA, TSA, local police, and airport officials are continuing their investigation into how the security breach occurred and whether additional airport safety measures are needed following the deadly Denver runway incident.