Frontier Airlines jet strikes person walking on runway at Denver International Airport: Officials
A tragic incident occurred on Friday night at Denver International Airport when a Frontier Airlines flight bound for Los Angeles struck a person on the runway. The airline and airport officials confirmed the event, which took place shortly after 11:00 p.m. local time on Runway 17L. There were 224 passengers and 7 crew members on board the aircraft at the time of the incident.
According to reports, the individual who was struck by the plane was at least partially consumed by one of the engines, resulting in a brief engine fire. Air traffic control audio revealed that pilots reported an engine fire and smoke inside the aircraft following the incident.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stated that the victim had breached airport security by deliberately scaling a perimeter fence and running onto the runway. The person was struck by the plane during takeoff at high speed, leading to the tragic outcome.
Preliminary reports indicate that 12 individuals were injured, with five of them being taken to the hospital for treatment. The Denver International Airport issued a statement saying that emergency response and investigation efforts are ongoing. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has been notified, and Runway 17L will remain closed while the investigation is conducted.
A source familiar with the incident mentioned that airport security was inspecting the east perimeter fence for gaps and that the person struck did not seem to be connected to the work being done on a parallel runway.
Frontier Airlines expressed deep sorrow over the event and stated that they are cooperating with authorities in the investigation. Local law enforcement, along with support from the Federal Aviation Administration and Transportation Security Administration, is handling the breach investigation.
As more information becomes available, this story will continue to develop. Stay tuned for updates on this tragic incident at Denver International Airport.
