Passengers, including children, were captured on video being evacuated from a Frontier Airlines plane that struck and killed a pedestrian. The incident occurred during takeoff at Denver International Airport, where the flight was headed to Los Angeles. The pedestrian was tragically struck by the plane’s engine, causing an engine fire that was promptly extinguished by firefighters.
Footage shows emergency slides being deployed, with individuals sliding down onto the runway. Social media videos also reveal the damaged engine and emergency responders urging passengers to move away from the aircraft. Inside the plane, passengers witnessed the moment of impact as sparks flew from the engine, eliciting shocked reactions.
Recordings from air traffic control captured the crew reporting the emergency, with the pilot notifying the tower of the collision and engine fire. The pilot disclosed having 231 individuals aboard the plane, mentioning the pedestrian accident. Subsequently, deteriorating conditions prompted the urgent evacuation of passengers onto the runway, which was swiftly carried out by the Denver Fire Department.
According to a Denver Airport spokesperson, the pedestrian had breached a perimeter fence and was struck shortly after entering the airport. Frontier Airlines issued a statement confirming the incident, stating smoke in the cabin led to the aborted takeoff and safe evacuation of all passengers. The airline expressed deep sorrow over the event and pledged to cooperate with authorities in the investigation.
The US National Transportation Safety Board was informed of the incident, and the tragedy occurred just a day after a Delta Air Lines employee lost their life at Orlando International Airport.
