Frontier Airlines plane strikes pedestrian on Denver airport runway: Details inside

A Frontier flight bound for Los Angeles was forced to an abrupt halt late Friday night after striking a pedestrian on an active runway at Denver International Airport. 

The incident involving Flight 4345- an Airbus A321 carrying 224 passengers and 7 crew members-occurred at approximately 11:19 p.m. local time. According to flight-tracking data, the aircraft was accelerating at roughly 146 mph when the collision took place.

According to CNN, they have reached out to the Denver Fire Department and Denver Sheriff’s Department for more information. 

Meanwhile, the airline stated: “Smoke was reported in the cabin and the pilot's aborted takeoff. Passengers were then safely evacuated via slides as a matter of precaution.”

Following the impact, pilots reported smoke in the cabin and a brief engine fire. The flight crew immediately aborted the takeoff, and passengers were forced to evacuate the aircraft via emergency slides. 

The Denver Fire Department arrived on the scene quickly to extinguish the flames. While all 231 people on board were safely transported back to the terminal, the condition and identity of the pedestrian have not yet been released. 

Officials are currently investigating how an unauthorized individual gained access to the secure runway area.

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

The airport confirmed that Runway 17L will remain closed while the investigation is conducted.