Updated May 9, 2026 — A Frontier Airlines Airbus A321 struck a pedestrian on the runway at Denver International Airport while taking off for Los Angeles Friday night, forcing the pilots to cancel the takeoff and evacuate passengers, officials said.
Frontier identified the flight as Flight 4345. The collision occurred just after 11:15 p.m. on runway 17L, according to statements from the airline and the airport. Denver Fire Department crews responded and extinguished a brief engine fire. The condition of the person hit by the plane was not immediately available.
Crew reported smoke in the cabin after the impact, and pilots stopped the aircraft and evacuated passengers using emergency slides as a precaution. No injuries were reported among the 224 passengers and seven crew members aboard. Emergency crews later bused passengers back to the terminal.
Passenger John Anthens, traveling with his son Jacob, said he saw a spark followed by what he described as a large explosion near the wing and engine area. He said passengers began screaming as thick smoke filled the cabin. After deplaning, Anthens said he and others waited on the runway in cold weather for about an hour before buses arrived.
CBS News Los Angeles reported the flight was rescheduled, with passengers expected to depart later Saturday morning. Frontier and airport officials said they are investigating the incident, and the National Transportation Safety Board has been notified. Runway 17L will remain closed during the investigation.