A routine Friday night departure from Denver International Airport turned into a nightmare when Frontier Flight 4345, bound for Los Angeles, struck a pedestrian on the runway during its takeoff roll. The incident occurred at approximately 10:15–11:19 p.m. local time on May 9, according to statements from both the airline and the airport.
The aircraft — an Airbus A321-271NX — experienced an engine fire following the collision, prompting an immediate evacuation of passengers via emergency slides. Video circulating on social media, shared by aviation accounts, shows the right-wing view of the jet during its takeoff roll on Runway 17L when the impact occurred.
Air traffic control recordings captured the moment the crew reported the strike. Denver International Airport confirmed the incident in a statement, saying that the flight “reported striking a pedestrian during takeoff.” The identity of the pedestrian and how they came to be on an active runway have not yet been disclosed. The flight was cancelled. Authorities are investigating.
