Recently released surveillance footage captures a tragic incident at Denver International Airport, where a Frontier Airlines jet fatally struck a person who was loitering on the runway late Friday night. The video shows the unidentified individual climbing over a fence and stepping directly into the plane’s path.
The pilot of Frontier Airlines Flight 4345, which was initiating takeoff, quickly aborted the procedure upon realizing there was an intruder. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy shared this information in a post on social media.
The airport reported that the event took place around 11:19 p.m., leading to a minor engine fire that was promptly extinguished by emergency crews.
Records from radio traffic reveal the harrowing reactions of first responders at the scene. One responder stated, “Runway 17L is closed. There are limbs on the runway. I think the plane hit someone.” Reports indicate that the individual sustained severe burns after being struck by the aircraft’s engine.
Officials confirmed that 12 individuals were injured in the incident, with five requiring hospitalization. The identity of the person who was hit has not yet been disclosed.
A spokesperson for Denver Airport mentioned that security procedures are routinely upheld, and patrols by their team and the Denver Police Department regularly occur. The individual managed to breach the perimeter shortly before the incident was reported.
Denver International Airport added that inspections of the fence showed no breaches, emphasizing the security measures in place.
In response to this tragedy, the airport expressed its condolences to those affected and acknowledged the ongoing investigations by the NTSB, FAA, and Frontier Airlines.
