RismadarVoice Reporters, May 11, 2026
A passenger aircraft preparing for takeoff at Denver International Airport struck and killed a person on the runway late Friday night, forcing an emergency evacuation and prompting fresh investigations into airport security measures.
Airport authorities released surveillance footage on Sunday showing the individual walking across the runway moments before the collision with a Frontier Airlines aircraft bound for Los Angeles.
The incident occurred at about 11:19 p.m. local time as the Airbus A321 accelerated for departure. According to airport officials, the aircraft was carrying 224 passengers and seven crew members at the time.
Witnesses onboard said the plane had already begun lifting off when the impact occurred.
“We immediately came back down, and there was fire on the engine,” a passenger told local media, describing scenes of panic as smoke spread through the cabin.
The flight was quickly aborted, and passengers were evacuated using emergency slides while emergency responders rushed to the scene. Airport officials confirmed that 12 people sustained minor injuries during the evacuation, with five taken to the hospital for treatment.
Denver International Airport identified the deceased as a trespasser who was not affiliated with airport operations. Authorities have not yet released the person’s identity pending notification of relatives.
The collision has raised concerns over airport perimeter security, with officials announcing a review of the airport’s fencing and surveillance systems. Denver International Airport spans one of the largest airport properties in the United States, with roughly 36 miles of perimeter fencing.
Both the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board have launched investigations into the incident.
Frontier AIRLINES said the aircraft was removed from service for inspection while affected passengers were being assisted with alternative travel arrangements.
