A Frontier Airlines flight bound for Los Angeles was forced to abort takeoff late Friday night at Denver International Airport in the United States after the aircraft reportedly struck a person on the runway, officials confirmed.
In a statement, Denver International Airport disclosed that “Frontier Flight 4345 reported striking a pedestrian during takeoff” at about 11:19 p.m. local time (0519 GMT Saturday).
ABC News, citing an unnamed official, reported that the individual “was at least partially consumed by one of the engines.” The person’s condition was not immediately known.
Airport authorities also confirmed that “there was a brief engine fire that was promptly extinguished” by firefighters from the Denver Fire Department.
Audio obtained from ATC.com captured the pilot informing air traffic controllers: “We’re stopping on the runway, we just hit somebody, we have an engine fire… There was an individual walking across the runway.”
Emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene, while passengers were transported back to the terminal by bus, the airport stated on X.
ABC News further reported that at least one passenger sustained minor injuries during the incident.
Frontier Airlines told AFP that the Airbus A321 had been preparing for departure to Los Angeles International Airport when the accident occurred.
“Smoke was reported in the cabin and the pilots aborted takeoff. Passengers were then safely evacuated via slides as a matter of precaution,” the airline said.
According to the carrier, the aircraft had 224 passengers and seven crew members onboard.
“We are investigating this incident and gathering more information in coordination with the airport and other safety authorities. We are deeply saddened by this event,” Frontier added.
The National Transportation Safety Board has since been notified, while Runway 17L at Denver International Airport remains shut pending investigation.
