A Frontier Airways flight taking off for Los Angeles from Denver Worldwide Airport on Friday night time struck a person strolling on a runway, in line with the airline and airport officers.
The incident occurred shortly after 11:00 p.m. native time on Runway 17L, the airline stated in an announcement early Saturday. There have been 224 passengers and seven crew members on board, Frontier stated.
The particular person struck was a minimum of partially consumed by one of many engines, an official confirmed to ABC Information, inflicting a short engine hearth.
A Frontier AIrlines aircraft is evacuated after a person was fatally struck strolling on the runway at Denver Worldwide Airport on Might 8, 2026.
Andrew Garcia
In response to air visitors management audio obtained by ABC Information, pilots reported an engine hearth and smoke contained in the plane following the incident.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stated Saturday the sufferer had breached airport safety, intentionally scaled a fringe fence and ran onto the runway.
The particular person was struck by the aircraft throughout takeoff at excessive pace, Duffy stated.
Preliminary studies are that 12 had been injured and 5 had been taken the hospital, in line with the secretary.
“Emergency response and investigation are ongoing,” the Denver Worldwide Airport stated earlier. “The NTSB has been notified. Runway 17L will stay closed whereas the investigation is carried out.”
A supply briefed on the incident instructed ABC Information that airport safety was inspecting the east perimeter fence on Saturday morning for gaps and the particular person struck didn’t seem like linked to the work occurring on a parallel runway.
A Frontier AIrlines aircraft is evacuated after a person was fatally struck strolling on the runway at Denver Worldwide Airport on Might 8, 2026.
Andrew Garcia
“We’re investigating this incident and gathering extra info in coordination with the airport and different security authorities,” Frontier Airways stated. “We’re deeply saddened by this occasion.”
Native legislation enforcement handles airport safety and is investigating the breach with assist from the Federal Aviation Administration and Transportation Safety Administration, Duffy stated.
It is a growing story. Please examine again for updates.
