A person has died after being struck by a commercial aircraft at Denver International Airport during a takeoff attempt involving Frontier Airlines. The incident led to an engine fire, emergency evacuation procedures, and a full investigation by aviation authorities.

Airport officials confirmed that the individual had breached airport security and entered a runway area shortly before the collision occurred. Authorities said the event is being treated as a serious safety breach as well as a fatal accident.

Incident Occurred During Late-Night Takeoff

According to airport communications, the aircraft was departing from Denver en route to Los Angeles when the collision happened at approximately 11:19 p.m. local time. The pilot immediately reported striking an object on the runway.

Air traffic control audio indicates the crew believed they had hit a person shortly after beginning takeoff, prompting an urgent stop and emergency response request. The aircraft also reported an engine fire during the incident.

Pilot Reports Smoke and Emergency Situation

In recorded communications, the pilot informed controllers that there was visible smoke in the cabin and that an evacuation would be required. Emergency procedures were activated while the aircraft remained on the runway.

The aircraft was carrying more than 220 passengers and crew members at the time of the incident, according to the airline’s statement.

Emergency Evacuation and Passenger Injuries

Passengers were evacuated using emergency slides and transported back to the terminal by airport buses. Officials confirmed that several passengers sustained minor injuries during the evacuation process.

At least a small number of individuals were taken to hospital for further evaluation, though most passengers were reported to be safe following the incident.

Passenger Accounts Describe Chaos on Board

Witnesses described smoke, confusion, and rapid evacuation as emergency protocols were carried out. Some passengers reported seeing damage consistent with an engine fire after the collision.

Videos shared on social media showed passengers sliding down evacuation chutes while emergency crews responded on the runway.

Investigation Launched by Aviation Authorities

The National Transportation Safety Board has been notified and is expected to lead the investigation into both the security breach and the collision.

Officials are reviewing how the individual was able to access a restricted runway area and whether additional safety measures were in place at the time.

Officials Condemn Security Breach

Transportation officials have described the incident as a deliberate breach of airport security after reports indicated the individual had climbed a perimeter fence before entering the runway area.

Authorities stressed that unauthorized access to airport runways poses extreme danger to both individuals and aircraft operations.

Aviation Safety Questions Under Review

The incident has renewed attention on airport perimeter security and runway access controls at major international hubs. Investigators will also examine how the aircraft responded during the emergency.

Further updates are expected once formal findings are released by aviation authorities.