This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
Frontier Airlines plane bound for LA from Denver strikes and kills pedestrian
A Frontier Airlines jetliner waits for clearance at Denver International Airport in March of this year. A plane taking off from the same airport was involved in a fatal accident Friday.
(
David Zalubowski
/
AP
)
A Frontier Airlines plane bound for Los Angeles on Friday night struck and killed a pedestrian who was crossing the runway, according to Denver International Airport.
The collision happened around 11:19 p.m. local time as the aircraft prepared to take off to California.
"Smoke was reported in the cabin and the pilots aborted takeoff," Frontier said in a statement.
"Passengers were then safely evacuated via slides as a matter of precaution."
The airline said it was "deeply saddened" by the event.
ABC News reported that the person struck was "at least partially consumed" by one of the craft's engines, leading to a brief fire.
Denver International said the person was not believed to have been an onsite worker.
Sponsored message
-
The extension unlocks three new stops along Wilshire Boulevard. -
The council passed the motion on Wednesday, but the Police Commission still has to approve it. -
Environmental organizations are trying to raise money by the end of July to prevent construction of a planned housing project called Moon Camp.
"DEN can confirm the pedestrian jumped the perimeter fence and was hit just two minutes later while crossing the runway," the airport said in a statement.
"The pedestrian is deceased, and is not believed to be an employee of the airport nor have they been identified. The airport has examined the fenceline and found it to be intact."
The airport said 12 people reported minor injuries, with five of those individuals taken to local hospitals for treatment.
The Airbus A321 was at the time carrying 224 passengers and seven crew members. Airport authorities said the majority of those passengers have since taken off for Los Angeles on a new Frontier flight.
Copyright 2026 NPR
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
