Frontier Airlines Flight Aborts Takeoff After Fatal Runway Incident at Denver Airport
A Frontier Airlines Airbus A321neo, scheduled to depart for Los Angeles, aborted its takeoff at Denver International Airport after fatally striking a pedestrian on the runway. The incident occurred on May 8, when the aircraft was conducting its takeoff roll on runway 17L. According to the airport operator, the pedestrian had jumped the perimeter fence, which was found to be intact, and was struck approximately two minutes later. The individual, who has not been identified, was not believed to be an airport employee. Following the incident, the crew reported smoke in the cabin and an engine fire, leading to an evacuation of the 231 passengers and crew on board. Twelve individuals sustained minor injuries, with five requiring hospitalization. The National Transportation Safety Board has been notified, and the runway has since reopened.