Runway trespasser killed after being struck by Frontier plane at Denver airport
An individual was killed after jumping a perimeter fence at Denver International Airport and being struck by a Frontier Airlines plane during takeoff, according to officials. Twelve people on board were injured after smoke was reported in the cabin.
The incident happened at about 11:19 p.m. on Friday when Frontier Flight 4345, bound for Los Angeles, reported striking a person on the runway at DEN. Airport officials said the person had jumped the perimeter fence and was hit about two minutes later while crossing the runway.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the trespasser had deliberately scaled the fence and ran onto the runway before being struck by the aircraft at high speed. The pilot stopped takeoff procedures immediately.
A U.S. official confirmed to ABC News that the person was pulled at least partly into one of the aircraft’s engines, sparking a brief engine fire.
The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, which represents Frontier flight attendants, said the crew evacuated 231 people after smoke was reported in the cabin.
12 people were injured, according to Secretary Duffy, including five who were taken to the hospital. Details about their conditions were not immediately released.
The pedestrian was pronounced dead and has not been identified. Airport officials said the person was not believed to be an airport employee.
Local law enforcement is leading the airport security investigation with support from the FAA and TSA.
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