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Late Friday night, a Frontier Airlines aircraft struck an individual who had breached a perimeter fence and entered an active runway at Denver International Airport. This unfortunate event led to an engine fire and the emergency evacuation of over 200 passengers. The incident occurred just before 11 p.m. local time as Flight 4345 was preparing for takeoff to Los Angeles International Airport.

Pilot's Urgent Communication 'We Just Hit Somebody'

Audio from air traffic control captured the tense moments following the collision. After receiving clearance for takeoff, the pilot reported back, stating, "We're stopping on the runway. We just hit somebody. We have an engine fire." The pilot further noted, "There was an individual walking across the runway," confirming that there were 231 people on board, including seven crew members.

Details of the Incident What Happened on the Ground

According to Frontier Airlines, the unidentified individual had climbed over the perimeter fence just two minutes prior to being struck by the aircraft. During takeoff, commercial jets typically reach speeds between 150 and 180 mph, and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed that the plane was traveling at a "high speed" at the time of the incident.

The individual who trespassed is not believed to have been an employee of the airport. Following the incident, Denver International Airport conducted an inspection of the fence and confirmed it was intact.

Emergency Evacuation The Evacuation

After the engine fire caused smoke to fill parts of the Airbus A321's cabin, the Denver Fire Department quickly extinguished the flames. All 224 passengers were evacuated using inflatable emergency slides as a safety precaution. Twelve passengers reported minor injuries, with five requiring transport to local hospitals, although their conditions remain unclear.

Reactions from Authorities Reaction From the Airline and Authorities

In a statement, Frontier Airlines expressed its sorrow over the incident, stating, "We are deeply saddened by this event." Denver International Airport shared similar sentiments, expressing condolences to those affected. Transportation Secretary Duffy emphasized the seriousness of the breach, stating, "No one should EVER trespass on an airport."