A trespasser reportedly d!ed after being pulled into a plane engine while a Frontier Airlines aircraft was preparing for takeoff at Denver International Airport.
Airport authorities said the unidentified individual allegedly jumped a perimeter fence and entered the runway area before being struck by the aircraft.
The incident happened as Frontier Airlines Flight 4345 was preparing to depart for Los Angeles International Airport. Officials said the collision triggered an engine fire warning and forced an emergency evacuation of the aircraft.
According to reported air traffic control audio, the pilot informed the control tower that the aircraft had “just hit somebody” on the runway, adding that there was smoke and an engine fire indication. The crew then aborted takeoff and requested emergency assistance. The plane was carrying 224 passengers and seven crew members at the time.
Videos shared online reportedly showed passengers evacuating through inflatable emergency slides while smoke filled parts of the cabin. Some passengers were seen carrying bags as they exited onto the runway before being moved away from the aircraft by crew members.
In a statement, Frontier Airlines confirmed the aircraft struck one person on the runway and that takeoff was immediately aborted after smoke was detected inside the cabin. The airline said the cause of the smoke remains under investigation.
Passengers were later transported back to the terminal by bus. Airport officials said 12 passengers suffered minor injuries during the evacuation, while five people were taken to hospital for treatment.
One passenger, identified as Jacob Anthens, shared videos online showing passengers using evacuation slides and described hearing what “felt like an explosion” before smoke spread through the cabin. He also posted images appearing to show damage to one of the aircraft’s engines.
The National Transportation Safety Board has launched an investigation into the incident. Runway 17L at Denver International Airport was temporarily closed before later reopening.
The incident came just one day after a Delta Air Lines employee reportedly d!ed while working at Orlando International Airport. Authorities said a separate investigation into that incident is also underway.