1 Dies After Being Sucked Into Aircraft Engine During Takeoff On Runway

A person has died after being struck by a departing aircraft and partially sucked into one of its engines during takeoff at Denver International Airport on Friday night, forcing the emergency evacuation of more than 200 passengers.

The incident involved a Frontier Airlines flight heading from Denver to Los Angeles International Airport.

According to reports, the victim was allegedly walking on the runway when Frontier Flight 4345 struck the individual during takeoff.

An official quoted by ABC News said the person was at least partially consumed by one of the aircraft’s engines, triggering a fire.

In recordings from air traffic control communications, the pilot was heard informing the tower of the emergency.

“Tower, Frontier 4345, we’re stopping on the runway,” the pilot said.

“Uh, we just hit somebody… we have an engine fire,” he added.

As the situation deteriorated, the pilot further reported: “We’ve got smoke on the aircraft, we’re gonna evacuate on the runway.”

The Airbus A321, carrying 224 passengers and seven crew members, was immediately evacuated using emergency slides after smoke was reported inside the aircraft.

Emergency crews, including firefighters from the Denver Fire Department, responded swiftly and extinguished the fire, while passengers were transported back to airport terminals by bus.

The flight, which had been scheduled to arrive in Los Angeles at 12:16 a.m., was later aborted and rescheduled for Saturday morning.

At least one passenger reportedly sustained minor injuries during the evacuation process.

In a statement issued Friday night, Frontier Airlines said: “As flight 4345 was departing this evening from Denver International Airport to Los Angeles International Airport, the aircraft reportedly struck a pedestrian on the runway during takeoff.

“Smoke was reported in the cabin and the pilots aborted takeoff.

“Passengers were then safely evacuated via slides as a matter of precaution.

“The Airbus A321 was carrying 224 passengers and seven crew members.

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

Authorities said airport security officials were inspecting the airport’s east perimeter fence for possible gaps following the incident.

Officials also stated that the deceased did not appear to be connected to ongoing construction work on a nearby parallel runway.

The Denver Police Department said it is assisting with investigations into the incident, adding that further details could not yet be released due to the active probe.