Frontier Airlines plane hits person on runway during takeoff at Denver airport

Key Points:

• A Frontier Airlines Airbus A321 struck a pedestrian on the runway at Denver International Airport during takeoff, causing an engine fire and prompting an emergency evacuation of 224 passengers and seven crew members.
• The pilot reported hitting the individual and smoke inside the aircraft before aborting the takeoff and evacuating passengers via slides; the condition of the pedestrian has not been disclosed.
• The incident occurred on runway 17L around 11:19 p.m. Friday, leading to the runway's closure while the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and other authorities investigate.
• Frontier Airlines confirmed the flight involved was number 4345 to Los Angeles and is coordinating with airport and safety officials to gather more information.
• The event follows a recent fatal accident at Orlando International Airport involving a Delta Airlines employee struck by a vehicle near a jet bridge, highlighting ongoing airport safety concerns.