A fatal runway accident occurred at Denver International Airport after a Frontier Airlines aircraft struck a pedestrian during takeoff, triggering an engine fire and an emergency evacuation, according to official reports.
Confirming the incident on X, Denver International Airport said, “Frontier Flight 4345 reported striking a pedestrian during takeoff at DEN at approximately 11:19 p.m. on Friday, May 8, 2026.
There was a brief engine fire that was promptly extinguished by the Denver Fire Department.
Late last night, a trespasser breached airport security at Denver Int’l Airport, deliberately scaled a perimeter fence, and ran out onto a runway.
The trespasser on the runway was then struck by Frontier Airlines Flight 4345 during takeoff at high speed. The pilot stopped… https://t.co/x2oVY1b0AH
— Secretary Sean Duffy (@SecDuffy) May 9, 2026
According to The Guardian, an airport spokesperson said the victim had entered the restricted area by climbing over a perimeter fence just two minutes before the collision. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed the individual was a trespasser who intentionally breached security.
In a lengthy post on X, Duffy wrote: “Late last night, a trespasser breached airport security at Denver Int’l Airport, deliberately scaled a perimeter fence, and ran out onto a runway. The trespasser on the runway was then struck by Frontier Airlines Flight 4345 during takeoff at high speed. The pilot stopped the takeoff procedures immediately. The Frontier plane was then quickly evacuated while law enforcement and firefighters responded.”
The Transportation Secretary added that 12 people were injured in the incident, with five hospitalised.
Statement from DEN on incident tonight: Frontier Flight 4345 reported striking a pedestrian during takeoff at DEN at approximately 11:19 p.m. on Friday, May 8, 2026. There was a brief engine fire that was promptly extinguished by the Denver Fire Dept. (1/2)
— Denver Int’l Airport (@DENAirport) May 9, 2026
“Local law enforcement handles airport security and is investigating with support from the @FAANews (Federal Aviation Administration) and TSA (Transportation Security Administration). No one should ever trespass on an airport,” Duffy concluded.
A viral clip seen by TNX Africa captured the moment the pilots realised the accident had occurred.
According to air traffic control audio, the pilot told the control tower, “We just hit somebody. We have an engine fire.”
“We’re stopping on the runway,” the pilot added. “There was an individual walking across the runway. We have 231 souls on board.”
The identity of the victim has not yet been confirmed. Social media users shared mixed reactions following the incident.
On Instagram, Lisa McClendon wrote: “Why was the person on the runway? So sad.”
Another user, Chad, added: “Likely a mental health crisis. Just sad all the way around.”