Frontier flight aborts takeoff after striking person on Denver runway

WASHINGTON: A Frontier Airlines flight halted its takeoff at Denver International Airport late Friday after hitting a person on the runway, airport authorities said, while US media reported that at least one passenger was injured.

Denver International Airport said in a statement that Frontier Flight 4345 reported striking a pedestrian during takeoff at about 11:19pm local time.

According to the airport, there was also a short-lived engine fire that was quickly put out by the Denver Fire Department.

Frontier Flight 4345 reported striking a pedestrian during takeoff

Audio cited from ATC.com captured a pilot telling air traffic controllers: We're stopping on the runway, we just hit somebody, we have an engine fire.. There was an individual walking across the runway.

Emergency teams were sent to the scene, and passengers were transported back to the terminal by bus, the airport said in a post on X.

Frontier Airlines told AFP that the aircraft involved was an Airbus A321 that had been departing for Los Angeles International Airport when the incident happened.

The airline said smoke was reported inside the cabin, after which the pilots discontinued the takeoff.

Smoke was reported in the cabin and pilots aborted takeoff. Passengers were then safely evacuated via slides as a matter of precaution

Frontier said the plane was carrying 224 passengers and seven crew members.

The airline added that it was working with the airport and other safety agencies to determine what happened.

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

ABC News, citing an unidentified official, reported that the person who was struck was at least partially consumed by one of the engines. The person's condition was not immediately known.

ABC also reported that at least one passenger suffered a minor injury.

Investigation under way

The airport said the National Transportation Safety Board had been notified of the incident. Runway 17L at Denver International Airport would remain closed while the investigation continues.

The incident prompted an emergency response at one of the United States' busiest airports, with authorities and the airline both saying more information was being gathered.