Person who jumped perimeter fence is hit and killed by Frontier plane during takeoff on Denver runway, airport says
Frontier Plane Kills Pedestrian Who Jumped Runway Fence in Denver
Incident Overview
Person who jumped perimeter fence is hit – A Frontier Airlines aircraft collided with a pedestrian who had breached the airport perimeter fence during its takeoff on Denver International Airport’s Runway 17L, according to officials. The accident occurred shortly after the individual entered the runway area, leading to a fatal outcome. The Airbus A321, Flight 4345, was heading to Los Angeles when the incident unfolded. Scheduled for a 10:39 p.m. departure, the flight was delayed to 11:19 p.m., with the collision happening just moments into the takeoff sequence.
The person who jumped the perimeter fence was not identified as an airport employee, though their presence on the runway was intentional. The collision caused immediate chaos, with smoke filling the cabin and prompting the pilots to halt the takeoff. Passengers were evacuated through slides as a safety measure, and emergency crews responded swiftly to extinguish a brief engine fire. Twelve individuals sustained minor injuries, while five were hospitalized following the incident.
Passenger Experiences
“I looked to my right, and there was the right wing engulfed in flames, as if it were exploding,”
said a passenger to KCNC, describing the harrowing moment. The individual recounted the plane tilting upward as the accident occurred, adding, “I saw a little spark, then a massive explosion, like a bomb going off.” The aircraft veered side to side before stopping, leaving passengers shaken and fearing for their lives. One passenger’s mother, who also boarded the flight, locked her knee upon landing but suffered no fractures, though she required medical attention.
“I saw a little spark, and then I saw and heard a big explosion, like a bomb going off,”
another passenger told CNN, emphasizing the visual impact of the engine catching fire. A family of two, John Anthens and his son, opted for an eight-hour car trip to Nebraska instead of continuing their flight, citing the trauma of the event. “The incident was too much for us to handle,” Anthens explained, highlighting the emotional toll on passengers.
Investigation and Security Review
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is collaborating with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Denver International Airport to determine the cause of the accident. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy underscored the deliberate nature of the pedestrian’s actions, stating, “The person who jumped the perimeter fence had entered the runway area, which should never be allowed.” The incident has raised questions about airport security protocols and how such a breach could occur.
Flight data from Flightradar24 indicated the plane was accelerating to 146 mph at 11:15 p.m. before the collision. Audio from air traffic control captured the pilot’s report of the event, with the statement, “Hit somebody,” signaling the immediate emergency. The aircraft was carrying 231 passengers and over 21,000 pounds of fuel at the time, contributing to the severity of the fire. The perimeter fence was found intact, but its failure to prevent the person’s access remains under scrutiny.
Response and Recovery
Denver International Airport swiftly cleared Runway 17L for resumed operations after the incident. Emergency responders, including the Denver Fire Department, managed to contain the fire and provide care to injured passengers. Despite the disruption, the airport maintained efficient coordination to minimize delays. Passengers not injured boarded a subsequent Frontier flight by Saturday morning, allowing the airline to restore normal service.
The person who jumped the perimeter fence is now being investigated for their actions. Authorities are reviewing surveillance footage and security logs to understand how the individual bypassed barriers. The FAA has initiated a review of runway safety measures, while Frontier Airlines is working closely with the NTSB to analyze the circumstances. The incident has sparked a broader conversation about airport safety and the need for stricter controls to prevent unauthorized access.
