Pedestrian fatally struck by Frontier plane departing Denver for LA
A pedestrian was hit by a Frontier airplane departing Denver for LA late Friday night, the airport and airline confirmed.
Updated on: May 10, 2026 / 2:32 PM EDT / CBS Colorado
A Frontier plane fatally struck a pedestrian in Denver as it was taking off for Los Angeles Friday night, according to the airline and Denver International Airport.
The Airbus A321 was taking off from Denver and departing for Los Angeles when the person crossed the runway around 11:19 p.m., according to statements issued by Frontier Airlines and the Denver airport.
The airport said that the person was killed in the collision. The person, who has not been identified, jumped the airport's perimeter fence and was hit two minutes later while crossing the runway, the airport said.
The pilot told DIA controllers, "We just hit somebody. We have an engine fire," according to radio traffic .
According to Frontier, smoke was reported in the cabin after the collision. Pilots canceled takeoff and stopped the plane. Passengers were evacuated using slides, then bused back to the terminal.