A tragic incident occurred at Denver International Airport late Tuesday night when a Frontier Airlines aircraft struck an individual who had gained unauthorized access to the runway.
Frontier Flight 4345 was preparing for departure to Los Angeles when the collision took place at approximately 11:19 p.m.
Air traffic control recordings captured the immediate reaction of the flight crew as they alerted ground controllers to the emergency.
The pilot reported that the aircraft had struck a person and subsequently experienced an engine fire.
Preliminary reports indicate that the individual had breached the airport's perimeter fence before entering the active runway area.
The Airbus A321neo involved in the incident sustained damage, and the person was reportedly drawn into the engine intake.
Following the collision, the flight crew initiated emergency protocols to ensure the safety of those on board.
All 224 passengers and seven crew members were safely evacuated from the aircraft using inflatable slides.
Emergency responders arrived at the scene shortly after the incident to manage the engine fire and secure the area.
Passengers were seen gathered on the tarmac, wrapped in blankets while awaiting further instructions from airport authorities.
Denver International Airport officials confirmed that the runway was closed immediately to facilitate the emergency response and the subsequent investigation.
The incident has raised significant questions regarding airport perimeter security and the measures in place to prevent unauthorized access to restricted areas.
The Federal Aviation Administration and local law enforcement agencies have launched a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the breach.
Authorities are working to determine how the individual bypassed security measures to reach the runway.
Frontier Airlines has expressed its cooperation with investigators as they work to understand the sequence of events.
The airline is also providing support to the passengers and crew members who were affected by the traumatic event.
Operations at the airport were temporarily disrupted as investigators processed the scene.
Further updates are expected as officials continue to review air traffic control logs and security footage from the night of the incident.