Person who jumped perimeter fence is hit and killed by Frontier plane during takeoff on Denver runway, airport says
Person who jumped perimeter fence is hit and killed by Frontier plane during takeoff on Denver runway, airport says
Denver International Airport confirms fatal collision during routine departure
Person who jumped perimeter fence is hit – Denver International Airport confirmed that a pedestrian was fatally struck by a Frontier Airlines jet two minutes after breaching the perimeter fence and stepping onto a runway. The incident occurred late Friday night, marking a rare and alarming event at the busy hub. The individual, whose identity has not yet been disclosed, is not believed to be an airport staff member, according to the airport’s official statement. This tragic accident highlights the potential dangers of unauthorized access to active runways, even during routine operations.
Flight 4345: Departure details and initial impact
The affected flight, numbered 4345, was an Airbus A321 en route from Denver to Los Angeles. Scheduled to depart at 10:39 p.m. local time, the plane was carrying 224 passengers and 7 crew members. Just before 11:19 p.m., as the aircraft was in the process of taking off, it reportedly struck a person on the runway. The collision caused smoke to fill the cabin, prompting the pilots to abort the takeoff as a precautionary measure. Emergency crews were quickly dispatched to the scene, where they assisted in evacuating the passengers via slides.
Passenger accounts: Chaos and panic during the emergency
Jose Cervantes, a passenger on the flight, recounted the harrowing experience in an interview with CNN affiliate KCNC. “I looked to my right, and I just saw the right wing just on fire and like, it’s exploding,” he said, describing the moment the plane hit the ground. “The aircraft lands back down, and they kind of like swivel side to side, and then they stop, shut it off right away, and then the cabin starts to fill up with smoke.” Cervantes added that he feared for his life as the fire and smoke engulfed the cabin. His mother, also on board, sustained minor injuries and required a visit to the emergency room, though she avoided fractures. “My mom actually ended up going straight down the slide and like locking her knee when she hit the floor,” he explained, emphasizing the suddenness of the event.
Emergency response and aftermath
Denver Fire Department crews arrived swiftly to manage the brief engine fire that followed the collision. The incident, though initially alarming, was contained without further complications. Once the situation stabilized, passengers were safely transported to the terminal. Twelve individuals reported minor injuries, with five needing medical attention at local hospitals. By Saturday morning, most of the passengers had been relocated to a new Frontier flight, allowing them to continue their journeys to Nebraska and other destinations. However, some travelers opted for alternative arrangements, such as renting a car for an eight-hour drive, due to the trauma of the event.
Investigation and safety concerns
The airport stated that the incident is still under investigation, with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) collaborating with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Denver International Airport operations, and local law enforcement. According to the NTSB, the focus is on determining the exact sequence of events leading to the collision. The FAA confirmed its involvement, with spokesperson Jon Henning providing updates on the ongoing inquiry. Additionally, the airport’s perimeter fence line was inspected and found to be intact, though the pedestrian had deliberately scaled it to enter the runway area.
Audio evidence: Pilot’s report of the collision
Audio from the air traffic control (ATC) system, shared via the ATC.com app, captured the pilot’s immediate report of the incident. “There was an individual walking across the runway,” the pilot said, as the plane was in the process of taking off. Moments later, a controller informed the pilot that emergency vehicles were being sent to the scene. The audio also revealed that the aircraft was carrying 231 people and approximately 21,000 pounds of fuel at the time of the collision. Flight-tracking data from Flightradar24 indicated the plane was accelerating at 146 miles per hour at 11:15 p.m. before the takeoff was aborted.
Transportation Secretary’s remarks on the incident
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy expressed concern over the deliberate act of trespassing on an airport runway. “No one should EVER trespass on an airport,” he stated, underscoring the importance of safety protocols. Duffy noted that the pedestrian had scaled the fence and crossed the runway without any prior indication of intent, which could have been avoided with stricter monitoring. Frontier Airlines also issued a statement expressing deep sadness over the event, calling it a “tragic and unexpected occurrence” that has shaken the confidence of its passengers.
Continued operations and runway recovery
Despite the incident, Denver International Airport swiftly restored normal operations. Runway 17L, where the collision took place, was cleared and reopened by Saturday morning. The airport emphasized that safety remains its top priority, with ongoing efforts to analyze the circumstances of the accident. While the fence was found to be intact, the incident has prompted discussions about enhancing surveillance systems and reinforcing perimeter security to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Community impact and lessons learned
The event has left a lasting impression on those who experienced it firsthand. John Anthens, a 56-year-old traveler and his 30-year-old son, decided to skip their flight home to Nebraska after the incident. “I saw a little spark, and then I saw and heard a big explosion, like a bomb going off,” Anthens said, describing the moment the engine burst. He and his son felt the plane’s tilt and the sudden stop, which made them question their safety. The couple opted to drive instead of fly, citing the trauma of the event as a deciding factor. Such personal accounts underscore the psychological impact of the collision, beyond the physical injuries.
CNN has reached out to the Denver Fire Department and Frontier Airlines for further details, as investigators seek to piece together the full timeline of the incident. The NTSB and FAA are working in tandem to examine flight data, witness reports, and video footage to determine whether the pedestrian’s actions were the sole cause or if any mechanical failure played a role. As of Saturday, the airport confirmed that all passengers had been accounted for and that the plane was no longer in service. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of adhering to airport safety procedures, even in high-traffic environments.
This story has been updated with additional information, reflecting the ongoing developments in the investigation. Contributors to the report include CNN’s Kareem El Damanhoury, David Williams, and Yan Kaner. The updated details highlight the collaborative efforts between the airport, airlines, and emergency services to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the event. As the investigation continues, officials are urging passengers and employees to remain vigilant and report any unusual activity near the runways. The hope is that this incident will lead to improved safety measures, preventing future tragedies at Denver International Airport.
