A Frontier Airlines flight struck and killed a trespasser during take-off at Denver International Airport late Friday night, prompting an emergency evacuation after smoke was reported inside the aircraft.
According to Beyond Time News, Frontier flight 4345 was departing for Los Angeles when the incident occurred around 11:19 p.m.
Airport officials said the individual entered a restricted runway area after climbing over a perimeter fence. The person died at the scene, and authorities have not yet released the identity.
Emergency Evacuation on Runway
The pilot informed air traffic control that the aircraft had hit someone on the runway and was experiencing an engine issue. Smoke was later reported inside the cabin, leading pilots to abort take-off and evacuate passengers on the runway.
Frontier Airlines said the Airbus A321 was carrying 224 passengers and seven crew members. All passengers were safely evacuated using emergency slides and transported back to the terminal.
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Authorities Launch Investigation
According to Beyond Time News, emergency crews responded immediately, while the runway was closed for investigation.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and local authorities are investigating how the trespasser gained access to the restricted area and the circumstances surrounding the incident.
