Newly released surveillance footage has revealed the chilling moments before a Frontier Airlines aircraft struck and killed an individual on a runway at Denver International Airport late Friday night.
According to officials, the incident occurred as Flight 4345 was attempting to take off around 11:19 p.m. Authorities say the individual had entered a restricted area of the airport shortly before the collision.
The disturbing event also led to a brief engine fire and multiple passenger injuries during the emergency response.
Footage Shows Person Entering Runway Area
Thermal surveillance footage reportedly shows the unidentified individual climbing over a perimeter fence before walking onto the active runway directly into the path of the departing aircraft.
Sean Duffy later confirmed that the pilot immediately aborted takeoff procedures after the impact.
Airport officials stated that security teams and local police routinely patrol the perimeter, but the individual managed to breach the fenced area only minutes before the collision occurred.
Emergency Response After Impact
Following the incident, a brief engine fire broke out on the aircraft but was quickly extinguished by emergency crews at the airport.
Authorities confirmed that 12 people suffered injuries during the incident, with five transported to local hospitals for treatment. Officials have not publicly detailed the extent of those injuries.
Audio from emergency radio communications reportedly described debris on the runway moments after the aircraft came to a stop.
Authorities Investigating How Security Was Breached
Officials at Denver International Airport said an inspection of the airport fencing found no obvious damage or failures after the incident.
According to airport representatives, the individual scaled a barbed-wire perimeter fence before entering the runway area.
The incident has renewed public discussion around airport security measures and the challenges of protecting large airport perimeters from unauthorized access.
Multiple Agencies Launch Investigation
The crash and security breach are now under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board, the Federal Aviation Administration, and Frontier Airlines.
Investigators are expected to review surveillance footage, communication recordings, airport security procedures, and the aircraft’s response during the aborted takeoff.
Authorities have not yet publicly identified the individual who was struck.
Airline and Airport Express Sympathy
Both airport officials and airline representatives issued statements expressing condolences following the tragedy.
Denver International Airport described the incident as deeply upsetting and said the airport was cooperating fully with investigators.
The event quickly drew widespread attention online due to the dramatic nature of the footage and the unusual circumstances surrounding the runway breach.
