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A tragic incident involving Frontier Airlines unfolded late May 8 at Denver International Airport when a passenger jet preparing for takeoff struck and killed someone.

The unidentified person had reportedly jumped a perimeter fence and entered the runway area. The incident forced the flight crew to abort takeoff and evacuate passengers as smoke filled the cabin.

Frontier Airlines Issues Statement

According to statements from Frontier Airlines and airport officials, the Airbus A321 was accelerating down the runway for a scheduled flight from Denver to Los Angeles when pilots alerted air traffic controllers that they had hit someone on the runway.

The aircraft immediately aborted takeoff procedures. Frontier Airlines later confirmed that emergency evacuation slides were deployed so passengers could exit the plane safely.

Passengers Safely Evacuated

The plane was carrying 224 passengers and seven crew members at the time of the incident. Airport officials said all individuals aboard were safely evacuated.

Twelve people suffered minor injuries during the evacuation process, with five transported to nearby hospitals for treatment.

“We are deeply saddened by this event,” Frontier Airlines said in a statement. “We are investigating this incident and gathering more information in coordination with the airport and other safety authorities.”

Officials have not yet publicly identified the deceased individual. Investigators said the person was believed to have breached airport security by jumping a perimeter fence approximately two minutes before the collision occurred.

Federal Investigation Underway

The runway at Denver International Airport remained closed following the incident as authorities began their investigation.

Airport officials confirmed they requested assistance from the National Transportation Safety Board, while the Federal Aviation Administration also launched an investigation into the deadly event.

“The pedestrian is deceased and is not believed to be an employee of the airport,” airport officials said in a statement. “The airport has examined the fence line and found it to be intact.”

Frontier Airlines Victim known as a Trespasser

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy addressed the incident in a social media post, referring to the victim as a “trespasser” and emphasizing the dangers of entering restricted airport areas.

“No one should ever trespass on an airport,” Duffy wrote, adding that federal investigators are coordinating with Denver police, who oversee airport perimeter security.

One of America’s Busiest Airports

Denver International Airport is currently the fourth-busiest airport in the United States and the 10th busiest in the world. Airport officials reported that the facility served more than 82 million passengers last year.

The incident has raised renewed concerns about airport perimeter security and runway safety at major transportation hubs across the country.

Passengers aboard the Frontier Airlines flight were later accommodated following the evacuation and emergency response.

Additional details are expected as investigators from federal agencies continue reviewing runway surveillance footage, pilot communications, and airport security procedures.