1 Dies After Being Sucked Into Aircraft Engine During Takeoff On Runway
A person has died after being struck by a departing aircraft and partially pulled into one of its engines during takeoff at Denver International Airport on Friday night, prompting the emergency evacuation of more than 200 passengers.
The incident involved a Frontier Airlines flight bound for Los Angeles International Airport.
According to reports, the victim was allegedly walking on the runway when Frontier Flight 4345 struck the individual while accelerating for takeoff.
An official quoted by ABC News said the person was partially sucked into one of the aircraft’s engines, triggering a fire and forcing the crew to abort takeoff immediately.
Air traffic control recordings captured the pilot alerting the control tower to the emergency.
“Tower, Frontier 4345, we’re stopping on the runway,” the pilot said.
“Uh, we just hit somebody… we have an engine fire,” the pilot added moments later.
As the situation escalated, the pilot further reported: “We’ve got smoke on the aircraft, we’re gonna evacuate on the runway.”
The Airbus A321, carrying 224 passengers and seven crew members, was evacuated using emergency slides after smoke was reported inside the cabin.
Emergency responders, including firefighters from the Denver Fire Department, arrived quickly at the scene and extinguished the fire. Passengers were later transported back to the airport terminal by bus.
The flight, which had been scheduled to arrive in Los Angeles at 12:16 a.m., was cancelled and rescheduled for Saturday morning.
At least one passenger reportedly sustained minor injuries during the evacuation.
In a statement issued Friday night, Frontier Airlines confirmed the incident.
“As flight 4345 was departing this evening from Denver International Airport to Los Angeles International Airport, the aircraft reportedly struck a pedestrian on the runway during takeoff,” the airline said.
“Smoke was reported in the cabin and the pilots aborted takeoff. Passengers were then safely evacuated via slides as a matter of precaution.
“The Airbus A321 was carrying 224 passengers and seven crew members.
“We are investigating this incident and gathering more information in coordination with the airport and other safety authorities. We are deeply saddened by this event.”
Authorities said airport security officials were inspecting the airport’s east perimeter fence for possible breaches following the incident.
Officials also noted that the deceased did not appear to be connected to ongoing construction work near a parallel runway.
The Denver Police Department said it is assisting with the investigation and that further details could not yet be released because inquiries remain ongoing.