Frontier Flight Aborts Takeoff After Striking, Killing Pedestrian on Denver Runway

Denver, Colorado – A Frontier Airlines flight from Denver International Airport to Los Angeles was forced to abort takeoff Friday night after striking a pedestrian who was walking on the runway, an incident that killed the individual and injured 12 passengers.

Denver police confirmed the person has died. Airport officials said the individual jumped over a fence without damaging it and walked onto the runway, where they were struck just two minutes later. The person is not believed to be an airport employee and has not yet been identified.

The flight was scheduled to depart at 11:19 p.m. when it struck the pedestrian during takeoff, according to Frontier Airlines. Following the collision, the cabin began filling with smoke, forcing pilots to abandon their takeoff procedures.

A total of 224 passengers and seven crew members were on board. Passengers were forced to leave the plane using slides. Twelve others were injured, and five were taken to a hospital. The runway was shut down while the investigation took place. Passengers were bused back to the airport, and their flights were rescheduled.

In a statement, Frontier Airlines said: “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 investigation remains ongoing.