Frontier Plane Kills Person Who Jumped Denver Runway Fence During Takeoff
Collision on Takeoff
Person who jumped perimeter fence is hit – A person who jumped the perimeter fence was tragically struck and killed by a Frontier Airlines jet during takeoff at Denver International Airport, the airport confirmed. The incident occurred approximately two minutes after the individual scaled the fence and entered the runway area. The victim, whose identity has not yet been disclosed, is not believed to be an airport employee, according to authorities. The collision happened as the aircraft accelerated, leading to a sudden emergency that disrupted the flight’s departure.
Flight and Incident Timeline
Flight 4345, an Airbus A321 bound for Los Angeles, was scheduled to depart at 10:39 p.m. local time but was involved in the accident at 11:19 p.m. The plane carried 224 passengers and seven crew members. Frontier Airlines stated the event was unexpected, with the pilot reporting a collision shortly after takeoff. The person who jumped the perimeter fence was hit by the aircraft’s wing, causing immediate damage and a loss of control.
Emergency Response and Evacuation
Smoke appeared in the cabin following the impact, prompting the pilots to abort the takeoff. Passengers were evacuated using slides, while emergency crews swiftly responded to the scene. A brief engine fire was extinguished by the Denver Fire Department after the plane landed safely. The person who jumped the perimeter fence was among the casualties, with emergency personnel tending to the injured in the terminal.
“I looked to my right, and I just see the right wing engulfed in flames,” Jose Cervantes, a passenger, recounted to CNN affiliate KCNC. “It felt like an explosion, as if something had detonated right there.”
Cervantes described the chaotic moment, noting his mother was also on board and suffered minor injuries. Despite no fractures being found, she required medical attention. The incident left many passengers shaken, with some opting to delay their journey home to recover from the trauma. John Anthens, a 56-year-old passenger and his 30-year-old son, shared their experience, highlighting the fear of an unexpected collision.
Investigation and Safety Measures
Authorities, including the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), are conducting a thorough investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the collision. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy emphasized that the individual “deliberately” crossed the fence before stepping onto the runway. “No one should EVER trespass on an airport,” he stated, underscoring the severity of the incident.
Flight-tracking data revealed the plane was traveling at 146 miles per hour at 11:15 p.m. local time when the accident occurred. The airport confirmed the perimeter fence remained intact post-incident, though it was temporarily closed for inspection. Runway 17L, where the event transpired, has since been cleared for normal operations.
Passenger Accounts and Aftermath
Audio from air traffic control communications, shared via the ATC.com app, provides critical insight into the moment of impact. A pilot reported to controllers that the aircraft had “hit somebody,” with the controller immediately dispatching emergency vehicles. The person who jumped the perimeter fence was struck while the plane was in motion, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
By Saturday morning, most passengers had been rebooked on subsequent Frontier flights, allowing the airport to resume regular operations. However, the experience left many shaken. Cervantes, who had initially been calm, expressed lingering fear: “I thought I was going to burn to death. When I saw the fire and the smoke, it felt like the end.” His account reflects the collective anxiety of those aboard the aircraft.
