A terrifying aviation incident at Denver International Airport is making headlines after newly released air traffic control audio captured the moment a Frontier Airlines plane reportedly struck and killed a pedestrian on the runway.
The shocking incident happened Friday night as Frontier Flight 3024 prepared to depart for Los Angeles with more than 220 people on board.
According to the released audio, the takeoff initially appeared routine. Air traffic control cleared the aircraft for departure and wished the crew “a good night.” Moments later, the atmosphere changed dramatically.
“We just hit somebody. We have an engine fire,” the pilot can be heard saying in the recording.
The pilot then informed air traffic controllers that an individual had been walking across the runway before the aircraft stopped, and emergency evacuation procedures began.
Frontier Plane Strikes Pedestrian at Denver Airport During Takeoff
The Frontier plane strikes pedestrian at Denver airport has already sparked major questions about airport security and runway safety protocols.
Officials later confirmed that the victim was not an airport employee. According to airport authorities, the individual allegedly jumped the airport’s perimeter fence before entering an active runway area. Authorities said the fence itself remained intact.
The pedestrian was killed at the scene.
Passengers onboard described chaotic moments as smoke reportedly began filling parts of the aircraft cabin after impact. Emergency slides were deployed, and passengers evacuated directly onto the runway before being transported back to the terminal by bus.
Video footage shared online appeared to show smoke inside the cabin and visible damage near one of the aircraft’s engines.
Dozens Evaluated After Emergency Evacuation
Frontier Airlines confirmed there were 224 passengers and seven crew members onboard during the incident.
While no major injuries were reported, airport officials said 12 individuals suffered minor injuries during the evacuation process. Five people were transported to local hospitals for further evaluation.
The flight to Los Angeles was ultimately rescheduled.
The National Transportation Safety Board and Frontier Airlines are now investigating exactly how the individual accessed the runway area before the collision occurred.
Frontier Plane Strikes Pedestrian at Denver Airport, Raises Security Concerns
The Frontier plane strikes a pedestrian at Denver airport, the tragedy is already reigniting discussions around airport perimeter security and the dangers posed when unauthorized individuals access restricted aviation zones.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy referred to the victim as a “trespasser” in a statement posted to social media following the incident.
Airport officials later confirmed the runway reopened Friday morning after emergency crews completed their investigation and cleared the area.
As the investigation continues, many travelers online are expressing shock not only at the collision itself but also at the emotional trauma experienced by passengers and crew who witnessed the aftermath firsthand.
The Frontier plane struck a pedestrian at Denver airport case remains under active investigation.
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