Pedestrian fatally struck by Frontier plane departing Denver for LA

A Frontier plane fatally struck a pedestrian in Denver as it was taking off for Los Angeles Friday night, according to the airline and Denver International Airport.

The Airbus A321 was taking off from Denver and departing for Los Angeles when the person crossed the runway around 11:19 p.m., according to statements issued by Frontier Airlines and the Denver airport.

The airport said that the person was killed in the collision. The person, who has not been identified, jumped the airport’s perimeter fence and was hit two minutes later while crossing the runway, the airport said. 

According to Frontier, smoke was reported in the cabin after the collision. Pilots canceled takeoff and stopped the plane. Passengers were evacuated using slides, then bussed back to the terminal. 

No major injuries were reported among the 224 passengers and seven crew members, Frontier said. The airport said 12 people reported minor injuries, and five of those were transported to local hospitals. The airport said the majority of the passengers have since departed Denver on a new frontier flight. 

John Anthens was with his son, Jacob, on the plane, and spoke with CBS News after the incident. He said  he was seated by a window over the wing and noticed a spark, followed by what he said was a big explosion in the wing and engine area. 

He said that after the explosion, passengers were screaming, and thick smoke filled the cabin. After deplaning, Anthens estimated that he and the other passengers waited on the runway in the cold weather for what felt like about an hour before buses arrived to transport them back to the terminal.  

Frontier says it’s investigating the incident. The National Transportation Safety Board has also been notified.

The cause of the incident remained undetermined, including the engine fire. Runway 17L, where the collision with the pedestrian took place, will stay closed for the investigation, and is expected to reopen Saturday. 

The airport said the fenceline around the facility is intact, and that the person is not believed to be an airport employee. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy referred to the person as a “trespasser,” and said that local law enforcement is also investigating the incident. 

“No one should EVER trespass on an airport,” Duffy wrote on X.  

John Filipelli contributed to this report.