A Frontier Airlines flight departing from Denver International Airport for Los Angeles was involved in a fatal runway incident late Friday night after reportedly striking a pedestrian during take-off.
According to airport authorities, the incident took place at around 11:19 pm local time.
"Frontier Flight 4345 reported striking a pedestrian during takeoff at DEN at approximately 11:19 p.m. on Friday, May 8, 2026. There was a brief engine fire that was promptly extinguished by the Denver Fire Dept," the airport said in a statement, as reported by Hindustan Times.
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The aircraft involved was an Airbus A321 carrying 224 passengers and seven crew members. Reports said the person struck by the aircraft "was at least partially consumed by one of the engines", according to ABC News.
Frontier Flight 4345 struck a pedestrian on Denver during takeoff Friday night. The person was partially ingested into an engine, causing a brief fire. Cabin smoke prompted evacuation of all 231 aboard; minor injuries reportedpic.twitter.com/Rqvu2LnjG2
— Francisco Cunha (@OnDisasters) May 9, 2026
Passengers evacuated after engine fire
Airport officials said emergency crews quickly responded to the scene after smoke was reported inside the cabin.
"Emergency crews responded to the scene and bussed passengers to the terminal. 231 souls were on board. Emergency response and investigation are ongoing. The NTSB has been notified. Runway 17L will remain closed while the investigation is conducted," the airport statement added.
Frontier Airlines later confirmed that the aircraft had been scheduled to fly from Denver to Los Angeles International Airport when the incident occurred.
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The airline said the pilots aborted take-off after smoke was detected inside the aircraft.
"Smoke was reported in the cabin and the pilots aborted takeoff. Passengers were then safely evacuated via slides as a matter of precaution," the airline said in a statement.
This is the right-wing view of Frontier Flight 4345 on its takeoff roll at Denver Airport Runway 17L when the Airbus A321-271NX (N646FR) hit a pedestrian. pic.twitter.com/xWCpUkcYrC
— Turbine Traveller (@Turbinetraveler) May 9, 2026
Investigation underway
The Denver Fire Department extinguished the brief engine fire shortly after the incident.
Frontier Airlines said it is working with airport officials and safety authorities to gather more details.
"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 added.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has been notified and will investigate the incident. Authorities confirmed that Runway 17L at Denver International Airport will remain closed until further notice.
