Person Killed After Being Struck by Plane on Denver Runway

A person was killed after being struck by a Frontier Airlines aircraft on a runway at Denver International Airport late on Friday, according to authorities. The incident triggered an emergency response and forced passengers to evacuate the aircraft after smoke and a brief engine fire were reported.

A Frontier Airlines plane struck a person while departing from Denver International Airport on Friday night, prompting a major emergency response and a temporary halt to runway operations.

The aircraft, which was preparing to depart for Los Angeles, reportedly hit an individual who was on the active runway during takeoff procedures. Authorities later confirmed that the person died at the scene.

Passengers onboard the aircraft were evacuated after smoke and a brief engine fire were reported following the impact. Emergency crews responded quickly, and no injuries among passengers or crew were immediately reported.

Frontier Airlines said it was cooperating fully with investigators and thanked emergency personnel for their response to the incident.

Officials have not yet identified the victim, and investigators are working to determine how the individual gained access to the secured airfield area at one of the busiest airports in the United States.

The Federal Aviation Administration and local law enforcement agencies have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Several flights experienced delays during the emergency response, though normal operations later resumed at the airport.