A Frontier Airlines takeoff turned deadly after a runway intruder was struck, igniting fire and evacuation.
A Frontier Airlines aircraft struck and killed an unidentified pedestrian on a Denver International Airport runway during takeoff, triggering an engine fire and forcing passengers to evacuate. Airport authorities said the person had jumped the perimeter fence and was hit within minutes while crossing the active runway. Officials confirmed the deceased individual was not believed to be an airport employee and had not yet been identified.
The incident caused major alarm over runway security, perimeter protection, and emergency response readiness at one of America’s busiest airports. Passengers were evacuated after the aircraft’s engine caught fire, while authorities began investigating how the intruder entered the restricted airfield area so quickly.
