Plane Strikes Man During Takeoff at Denver Airport, Engine Bursts Into Flames

An Airbus A321 passenger aircraft operated by Frontier Airlines struck a pedestrian during takeoff at Denver Airport after the individual ended up on the runway.

According to initial reports from investigators, the unidentified man managed to climb over the outer perimeter fence just two minutes before the tragedy, before making his way onto the airport runway.

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A routine flight to Los Angeles turned into a scene of horror on Friday at 11:20 PM local time.

The tragedy triggered an immediate flight abort, while passengers onboard were confronted with flames dangerously close to their windows.

Fatal collision and evacuation due to fire

The pilot of Flight 4345 immediately informed the control tower of a collision and fire in the right engine following the violent impact.

The man, who had unlawfully crossed the runway, was sucked into the right turbine during the close encounter with the aircraft, causing an immediate engine failure and fire in one of the engines.

The Airbus came to a stop at the end of the runway, while thick smoke filled the cabin, prompting the crew to order an immediate evacuation of the aircraft. All 224 passengers and seven crew members exited the plane via inflatable emergency slides as firefighters rushed to respond to calls for help.

Climbed the fence and ran toward the airport

American authorities are currently focusing their investigation on how a person with no airport affiliation managed to gain access to the strictly secured area.

Initial information suggests the man climbed the fence at Denver Airport just two minutes before the tragedy and headed directly toward the departing aircraft.

Twelve people were injured during the incident, with five transported to hospital for minor injuries, while the man on the runway died at the scene. Frontier Airlines and airport authorities are now closely analyzing surveillance footage in an effort to close the security breach around the airport perimeter.

A breach raising serious security concerns

The incident in Denver serves as a reminder of how vulnerable major international airports can be despite high levels of security.

The tragic death of the individual could easily have escalated into an even greater catastrophe had the pilot not aborted the takeoff in time.