An unidentified individual trespassed into Denver International Airport during the night, then was struck and killed by a Frontier Airlines plane preparing to depart on the runway, injuring 12 passengers.
On 9 May 2026, U.S. officials revealed that a Frontier Airlines plane struck and killed a person while attempting to take off from Denver International Airport shortly after midnight on Friday night.
Denver International Airport (DIA) stated in a press release that the collision caused a brief engine fire, which Denver firefighters quickly brought under control.
Frontier Airlines said smoke entered the cabin, prompting the evacuation of all 224 passengers and crew via emergency slides for safety. The airline also expressed deep regret over the incident.
Airport information indicated the individual had climbed over a security fence and was struck and killed within two minutes while running across the runway.
Officials reported that the Frontier Airlines plane was departing Denver bound for Los Angeles International Airport around 11:00 p.m. local time when it struck the individual.
Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy stated the plane was moving at high speed at the time.
“Last night, a trespasser breached Denver International Airport’s security measures by climbing over the fence and running onto the runway,” Duffy said in a statement. “No one should trespass into Denver Airport’s restricted areas.”
The airport said the person is believed not to be an airport employee, and their identity remains unknown. The security fence was inspected and found to be intact.
The incident caused minor injuries to 12 passengers on board, with five of them taken to nearby hospitals.
Most passengers have since departed Denver on other Frontier flights, but the affected runway remains closed while the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) conduct investigations.
“We deeply regret this accident and extend our sympathies to everyone affected,” Denver Airport concluded.
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Source:bbc