A Frontier Airlines flight struck a pedestrian while departing Denver International Airport on Friday, May 5, resulting in smoke and fire aboard the aircraft. The tragic incident unfolded just moments after the plane was cleared for takeoff.
Incident Details Captured on Audio
Audio recordings obtained by ATC.com reveal the moments following the collision. Initially, the tower confirmed the flight was clear for takeoff and wished the crew “a good night.” However, about 30 seconds into departure, the pilot reported an emergency: “We just hit somebody. We have an engine fire.“
The pilot then confirmed to air traffic control that there was “an individual walking across the runway.” Shortly after, the pilot reported seeing smoke in the aircraft and announced plans to evacuate the plane on the runway.
Evacuation and Emergency Response
Passenger video footage, shared with CBS News, shows smoke filling the cabin. Both the passengers and flight crew used inflatable slides to evacuate the aircraft. Emergency crews then transported the 224 passengers and seven crew members to the terminal, and their flight to Los Angeles was rescheduled.
Despite the harrowing situation, Frontier Airlines confirmed that no major injuries occurred among the passengers or crew. However, 12 people reported minor injuries, and five were transported to local hospitals for treatment.
Pedestrian’s Fatality and Investigation
According to Denver International Airport, the pedestrian was killed after jumping the perimeter fence and walking across the runway. The individual, who has yet to be identified, was struck two minutes later by the plane. Authorities stated that the pedestrian is not believed to have been an airport employee. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy called the individual a “trespasser” in a social media post.
The airport’s perimeter fence was confirmed to be intact. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Frontier Airlines have both launched investigations into the incident.
Runway Reopens and Ongoing Investigation
The runway where the accident occurred was reopened just before 11 a.m. local time on May 5, according to airport officials. Investigations are ongoing to determine the exact circumstances leading to the tragic collision.
