Frontier Airlines Jet Strikes Person on Denver Runway

Why this matters: This incident raises serious questions about runway safety and security protocols at Denver International Airport. The investigation will likely focus on how an individual gained access to an active runway and the potential causes of the engine fire.

On Friday night, a Frontier Airlines Airbus A321, flight number 4345, was taking off from runway 17L at Denver International Airport when it struck a person on the runway. The pilot immediately aborted the takeoff and reported an engine fire and smoke in the aircraft to air traffic control.

Air traffic control (ATC) audio reveals the pilot's communication with the tower, stating, "Tower, Frontier 4345, we're stopping on the runway. Uh, we just hit somebody... we have an engine fire." The pilot also confirmed that there were 231 people on board and later requested an evacuation due to worsening conditions.

Passengers were evacuated onto the runway and subsequently transported back to the terminal by bus. Emergency services, including fire crews, were dispatched to the scene to extinguish the engine fire. The flight, originally scheduled to arrive at Los Angeles International Airport at 12:16 a.m., has been rescheduled for Saturday morning.

Authorities have not yet released details about the individual struck on the runway or the circumstances leading up to the incident. An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the accident and to review safety procedures at the airport.

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A Frontier Airlines jet struck a person on the runway during takeoff.

At least one minor injury to a passenger has been reported.

Authorities are currently investigating the incident.

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