Pedestrian Killed After Breaching Fence and Entering Runway at Denver Airport

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.

"We are deeply saddened by this event," the airline said in a statement. The National Transportation Safety Board is coordinating with the Federal Aviation Administration, Denver airport operations, and local law enforcement to gather information. Denver International Airport emphasized that the trespasser was not affiliated with airport operations.

“Tower, Frontier 4345, we're stopping on the runway. We just hit somebody and have an engine fire.”

“— Frontier 4345 pilot, per ATC transcript”

“Frontier 4345, I'm going to be rolling the trucks now. Do you know if there are souls on board and fuel remaining?”

“— DEN Tower, per ATC transcript”