Frontier Airlines plane strikes intruder on runway at Denver International after fence breach
DENVER, COLORADO: A late-night departure from Denver International Airport on Friday, May 8, turned into a terrifying emergency after a person who breached airport security was fatally struck by a departing aircraft, forcing an aborted takeoff, emergency response and evacuation of hundreds of passengers.
The incident involved a Frontier Airlines flight bound for Los Angeles International Airport and has now triggered an investigation.
A Frontier Airlines flight headed to Los Angeles struck and killed a person who was reportedly walking on a runway during takeoff Friday in Denver. pic.twitter.com/bEG3buZlEX
— My Mixtapez (@mymixtapez) May 9, 2026
Smoke, panic and emergency evacuation
The aircraft, an Airbus A321 operated by Frontier, was carrying more than 220 passengers along with crew members when the collision occurred.
After the impact, pilots aborted takeoff as smoke was reported inside the cabin.
Emergency crews quickly responded, and passengers were evacuated before being transported back to the terminal.
Denver airport officials said: “Passengers were bussed to the terminal and the majority have since departed DEN on a new Frontier flight.”
DEN can confirm the pedestrian jumped the perimeter fence and was hit just two minutes later while crossing the runway. The pedestrian is deceased, and is not believed to be an employee of the airport nor have they been identified. (2/4)
— Denver Int'l Airport (@DENAirport) May 9, 2026
Authorities confirmed that 12 people suffered minor injuries, while five were taken to local hospitals for further evaluation.
Passengers reportedly described scenes of panic, with screams erupting inside the cabin after what many initially believed was an engine explosion.
Airport confirms fence breach before fatal collision
According to airport officials, the incident happened at approximately 11.19 pm local time, when Frontier Flight 4345 reported striking a pedestrian during takeoff.
In a series of updates posted on social media, Denver International Airport said: “At approximately 11.19 pm, Frontier Flight 4345 reported striking a pedestrian during takeoff at DEN. Emergency crews responded to the scene.”
The airport later confirmed the individual had jumped the perimeter fence and was struck just two minutes later while crossing an active runway.
“DEN can confirm the pedestrian jumped the perimeter fence and was hit just two minutes later while crossing the runway,” the airport said.
The airport has examined the fenceline and found it to be intact.
— Denver Int'l Airport (@DENAirport) May 9, 2026
12 people reported minor injuries and 5 of these were transported to local hospitals.
Runway 17L remains closed for investigation and we expect it will be open within the next couple hours. (3/4)
Officials added that the individual was pronounced dead at the scene and is not believed to be an airport employee. Authorities have not yet publicly identified the person.
Airport officials also addressed immediate security concerns, stating “The airport has examined the fenceline and found it to be intact.”
The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board have been notified and are now investigating both the runway breach and the collision.
Denver airport said Runway 17L remains closed as investigators examine the scene, though officials expect it to reopen once evidence collection is complete.
