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Pedestrian Killed After Breaching Fence and Entering Runway at Denver Airport
A Frontier Airlines Airbus A321 bound for Los Angeles hit a trespasser who jumped a perimeter fence at Denver International Airport on May 9, 2026, triggering a brief right-engine fire. All 231 people on board evacuated safely via slides after the crew aborted takeoff. The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating with federal and local authorities.
May 5, 1:11 PM·2m read24 sources
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M. on Friday, May 9, 2026. The individual had jumped a perimeter fence two minutes earlier and was crossing the runway when the aircraft, operating as Flight 4345 and bound for Los Angeles, hit the person.
Post by @DailyCaller on X
The impact damaged the right engine and sparked a brief fire that firefighters extinguished. The pilot immediately aborted the takeoff and radioed air traffic control with the first alert. "Tower, Frontier 4345, we're stopping on the runway.
We just hit somebody and have an engine fire," the pilot said, according to the ATC transcript obtained by multiple outlets. " Controllers then asked for critical details as emergency vehicles rolled. "Frontier 4345, I'm going to be rolling the trucks now.
The aircraft, registered N646FR, carried 224 passengers and seven crew members. Reports of smoke in the cabin prompted the crew to order an evacuation. All passengers and crew exited safely via inflatable slides onto the runway.
Twelve people reported minor injuries, and five were transported to local hospitals, Denver International Airport said. The pedestrian, who was not an airport employee, has not been identified and is deceased. Denver International Airport confirmed the person jumped the fence shortly before the collision and posted details of the incident on its official X account early Saturday.
Dramatic video captured the moment of impact, while photos and video of the damaged right engine circulated on social media. The runway was closed briefly for investigation and has since reopened. Frontier Airlines stated it is investigating the incident in coordination with the airport and safety authorities.
