Newly released surveillance footage captured the moment a Frontier Airlines jet struck and killed an unidentified individual who had scaled a perimeter fence and entered the runway at Denver International Airport late Friday night [1]. The incident occurred at approximately 11:19 p.m. as Frontier Airlines Flight 4345 was attempting takeoff; the pilot immediately aborted takeoff procedures after the collision, which resulted in a brief engine fire that was quickly extinguished by authorities [1].
According to Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, the trespasser was struck at high speed during takeoff, and radio traffic from first responders described finding limbs on the runway, indicating the severity of the incident [1]. ABC News reported that the individual was 'at least partially consumed' by one of the plane's engines [1]. The crash resulted in injuries to 12 people, with five transported to a local hospital, though the identity of the trespasser has not been disclosed [1].
A Denver Airport spokesperson stated that security teams and Denver Police regularly patrol the airport perimeter, and the individual was hit within two minutes of scaling the barbed-wire fence [1]. The airport later confirmed that the fenceline was found to be intact after the incident [1].
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and Frontier Airlines are all investigating the incident [1]. Denver International Airport expressed condolences to those involved and emphasized ongoing security measures [1].
CONCLUSION
The fatal runway incident at Denver International Airport involving a Frontier Airlines jet has prompted investigations by multiple agencies and raised concerns about airport perimeter security. While the airport asserts its fenceline was intact and security protocols were in place, the event resulted in one death and multiple injuries, with potential implications for future airport safety measures.