Terrified passengers are speaking out after a Frontier Airlines flight struck and killed a person on a runway during takeoff at Denver International Airport, triggering an engine fire and emergency evacuation.
The late-night incident unfolded shortly after the aircraft began accelerating for departure to Los Angeles, leaving passengers fearing the plane was about to crash.
‘We Thought We Were Going to Die’
Passengers onboard described hearing a massive explosion moments after takeoff began.
One traveler told reporters the engine suddenly erupted, causing panic inside the cabin as screams broke out among passengers and children began crying.
Another passenger claimed his father saw what appeared to be human remains inside the aircraft’s engine following the collision, describing the scene as deeply traumatic.
Airport Confirms Person Entered Runway
Airport officials later confirmed that an unidentified individual had breached security by jumping a perimeter fence and entering the runway area only minutes before the impact occurred.
Authorities said the person was struck by the aircraft while crossing the runway and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Officials also confirmed the individual was not believed to be an airport employee.
Chilling Air Traffic Control Audio Released
Newly released air traffic control audio revealed that airport staff had warned pilots about a person on the runway shortly before the collision happened.
In the recording, personnel can reportedly be heard referencing “limbs on the runway” after the aircraft impact, while others discussed visible damage to the plane’s engine.
The disturbing audio has quickly spread online as investigators continue reviewing exactly what happened in the moments leading up to the tragedy.
Emergency Evacuation Followed Engine Fire
Following the collision, the pilots aborted takeoff after smoke and fire were reported near one of the aircraft engines.
Passengers were evacuated onto the runway using emergency slides before being transported back to the terminal by airport buses.
Airport officials said several passengers suffered minor injuries during the evacuation, with a small number transported to local hospitals for treatment.
Investigation Now Underway
The National Transportation Safety Board has been notified and is expected to investigate both the runway breach and the aircraft collision.
Authorities are also examining airport security procedures after the individual was reportedly able to access a restricted area so quickly.
Questions Raised About Airport Security
The incident has renewed concerns over runway security at major airports and how intruders are able to access active airfields despite perimeter protections.
Officials stressed that unauthorized access to runways creates extreme danger for passengers, crew members, and airport staff alike.
Further details are expected as investigators review surveillance footage, cockpit recordings, and communication logs from the airport tower.
