Person who jumped perimeter fence is hit and killed by Frontier plane during takeoff on Denver runway, airport says
Person Dies After Jumping Denver Airport Fence During Takeoff
Person who jumped perimeter fence is hit – Denver International Airport confirmed that a pedestrian was struck and killed by a Frontier Airlines aircraft shortly after entering the runway during takeoff on Friday evening. The incident occurred two minutes after the individual scaled the perimeter fence and crossed onto the tarmac, according to the airport’s statement. This tragic event marked a rare but serious occurrence at the busy airport, which serves over 70 million travelers annually.
Flight Details and Timeline
The aircraft involved, Flight 4345, was an Airbus A321 departing from Denver to Los Angeles. Scheduled for 10:39 p.m. local time, the incident transpired at 11:19 p.m., as reported by the airport. During takeoff, the plane collided with the pedestrian, prompting immediate emergency protocols. The pilot notified air traffic control of the collision, leading to rapid deployment of fire and rescue teams. A recording from the ATC.com app captured the pilot describing the event as a “hit somebody” moment, with the controller coordinating the response.
Passenger Accounts and Evacuation
Passengers aboard the flight recounted the chaos of the incident. Jose Cervantes, one of the travelers, described seeing the plane tilt as it accelerated. “I looked to my right, and I just saw the right wing on fire and like, it’s exploding,” he told CNN affiliate KCNC. “The aircraft lands back down, and they swivel side to side, then stop, shut it off, and the cabin fills with smoke.” Cervantes expressed fear, stating, “I thought I was going to burn to death.” His mother, also on the flight, sustained a minor injury while evacuating via the slide.
Emergency responders quickly arrived, extinguishing a brief engine fire reported by the Denver Fire Department. The incident led to a precautionary evacuation, with passengers exiting through slides. While most travelers were able to reach the terminal, twelve individuals sustained minor injuries, five of whom required medical attention. The airport emphasized that the situation was “serious but contained,” with runway operations resuming shortly after.
Investigation and Safety Protocols
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is collaborating with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Denver International Airport, and local law enforcement to probe the cause. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stated the individual “deliberately” breached the fence before running onto the runway. “No one should EVER trespass on an airport,” he remarked, stressing the importance of maintaining security standards. Post-incident, the airport’s fence line was found intact, though questions remain about how the pedestrian accessed the runway.
Flight-tracking data from Flightradar24 showed the Airbus A321 accelerating to about 146 miles per hour around 11:15 p.m. before the pilot aborted takeoff. The high speed contributed to the severity of the impact. Frontier Airlines called the event “deeply saddening,” expressing concern for affected passengers. The airline is now reviewing safety procedures to prevent similar incidents.
Impact on Travelers and Aftermath
Many passengers from Flight 4345 were able to board a replacement flight by Saturday morning, enabling them to return home. However, some opted to delay their travel, choosing to drive instead. John Anthens, 56, and his son, who were set to return to Nebraska, decided against flying. “I saw a little spark, then a big explosion, like a bomb going off,” Anthens said, highlighting the trauma of the event. The airport is conducting a review to enhance perimeter security and reduce risks to pedestrians.
Authorities are investigating whether the person who jumped the perimeter fence had prior knowledge of the runway activity or was unaware of the danger. The incident underscores the critical need for vigilance at large airports. While the exact cause of the breach remains under scrutiny, the event has sparked discussions about strengthening safety measures for both staff and travelers.