Frontier jet strikes, kills person on Denver airport runway during takeoff after security breach

A person walking on the runway at Denver International Airport was reportedly struck by a Frontier Airlines jet during takeoff late Friday night.

Frontier jet strikes, kills person on Denver airport runway during takeoff after security breach

TL;DR

  • A Frontier Airlines jet struck and killed a pedestrian on the runway at Denver International Airport during takeoff.
  • The incident occurred late Friday night, May 8, 2026.
  • The pedestrian had reportedly breached airport security and scaled a perimeter fence.
  • The collision caused a brief engine fire, which was extinguished by firefighters.
  • Passengers were evacuated, with 12 people reported injured and 5 taken to the hospital.
  • The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has been notified and is investigating.
  • Airport officials confirmed the fence was found intact during an examination.
  • Audio from the incident captures the pilot reporting the collision and engine fire.