A Frontier Airlines aircraft was evacuated at Denver International Airport after striking a pedestrian before takeoff Friday night.
The Airbus A321 was carrying 224 passengers and seven crew members and was bound for Los Angeles when the person was at least partially consumed by one of the engines, according to ABC News.
"Tower, Frontier 4345, we're stopping on the runway. Uh, we just hit somebody...we have an engine fire," the pilot was heard telling air traffic controllers. "We have 231 souls on board...There was an individual walking across the runway," he added.
"We've got smoke on the aircraft, we're gonna evacuate on the runway."
Frontier Airlines confirmed the fatal incident, which occurred around 11:19 p.m. Friday, expressing sadness but saying that it has launched an investigation into what happened.
"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. Smoke was reported in the cabin and the pilots aborted takeoff," Frontier said in a statement.
"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," the airline concluded.
ABC News reported that airport security was inspecting the east perimeter fence on Saturday morning for gaps and that the person struck did not appear to be connected to the work occurring on a parallel runway at the airport.
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.
Topics From This Article to Explore
