A Frontier Airlines plane struck a trespasser on the runway at Denver International Airport on Friday evening, triggering an engine fire.
The plane was bound for LAX.
Passengers were evacuated three minutes after the trespasser was fatally hit.
According to reports, the unidentified man who was struck on the runway breached a perimeter fence shortly before the plane took off.
One passenger said the plane’s cabin began to fill with smoke.
WATCH:
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy released a statement on the trespasser breach.
Late last night, a trespasser breached airport security at Denver Int’l Airport, deliberately scaled a perimeter fence, and ran out onto a runway.
The trespasser on the runway was then struck by Frontier Airlines Flight 4345 during takeoff at high speed. The pilot stopped takeoff procedures immediately.
The Frontier plane was then quickly evacuated while law enforcement and firefighters responded.
Preliminary reports are 12 people were hurt, with 5 taken to the hospital.
Local law enforcement handles airport security and is investigating with support from the
@FAANews
and TSA.No one should EVER trespass on an airport.
Late last night, a trespasser breached airport security at Denver Int’l Airport, deliberately scaled a perimeter fence, and ran out onto a runway.
The trespasser on the runway was then struck by Frontier Airlines Flight 4345 during takeoff at high speed. The pilot stopped…
— Secretary Sean Duffy (@SecDuffy) May 9, 2026
