Another frightening plane incident has occurred, and tragically, this latest one at Denver International Airport (DIA) has resulted in fatalities.
Right around 11:00 p.m. on Friday, Frontier Airlines Flight 4345 was geared up and speeding down the runway, ready to take off for Los Angeles. But instead of lifting off into the clouds, the pilots had to slam on the brakes for the most terrifying reason possible.
According to ABC News, the plane struck a person who was walking right on the runway. Yes, you read that right, somebody was out there in the middle of the path of a massive Airbus A321.
The air traffic control audio is absolutely chilling. You can hear the pilot realize the gravity of the situation in real-time:
“Tower, Frontier 4345, we’re stopping on the runway. Uh, we just hit somebody… we have an engine fire.”
The official word is that the person was struck at high speed and, tragically, was “at least partially consumed” by one of the engines. That’s what caused the engine to catch fire and smoke to start filling the cabin where 224 passengers and 7 crew members were sitting, just trying to get to LA.
How Did They Get There?
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy isn’t holding back on the details. He confirmed the individual wasn’t supposed to be anywhere near that tarmac. They reportedly scaled a perimeter fence and deliberately ran onto the runway.
“Emergency response and investigation are ongoing,” the Denver International Airport said earlier. “The NTSB has been notified. Runway 17L will remain closed while the investigation is conducted.”
Frontier is currently working with the authorities to figure out how their security was breached so easily.
“We are investigating this incident and gathering more information in coordination with the airport and other safety authorities,” Frontier Airlines said. “We are deeply saddened by this event.”
It’s a heavy day for the folks in Denver and anyone who has to hop on a flight today. We’re sending love to the passengers who had to witness this and the families affected by this tragedy.