A late-night flight from Denver to Los Angeles was scheduled to depart at 11:20 p.m. Mountain Time on Friday.
DENVER — A dramatic evacuation unfolded on a Frontier Airlines flight late Friday when the crew reported an unexpected collision with a pedestrian on the runway at Denver International Airport, according to statements from both the airport and the airline.
Frontier Flight 4345, bound for Los Angeles, experienced a sudden halt to its takeoff after the crew detected smoke inside the cabin following the runway incident. The pilots promptly aborted the takeoff. The airport authorities confirmed that a brief engine fire ensued, which was swiftly extinguished by Denver firefighters.
All passengers were safely evacuated via emergency slides, as reported by Frontier. Emergency services then transported them by bus back to the terminal. The airline has rescheduled the flight, with plans for it to depart on Saturday morning.
While investigations are underway, the relevant runway will remain closed, according to airport officials.
The aircraft involved, an Airbus A321, was carrying 224 passengers along with seven crew members, Frontier disclosed.
“We are investigating this incident and gathering more information in coordination with the airport and other safety authorities,” the airline said. “We are deeply saddened by this event.”
This story is developing and may be updated as information becomes available.
