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Pedestrian fatally hit by Frontier airplane departing Denver for Los Angeles, flight canceled after engine fire
Updated on: May 9, 2026 / 9:42 AM EDT / CBS Colorado
TL;DR
- A Frontier Airlines Airbus A321 fatally struck a pedestrian on Runway 17L in Denver during takeoff for Los Angeles.
- The unidentified pedestrian reportedly jumped the airport's perimeter fence.
- Following the collision, the pilot reported an engine fire, and smoke was seen in the cabin.
- The takeoff was aborted, and all 224 passengers and seven crew members were evacuated using slides.
- No major injuries were reported among those on board, though 12 people reported minor injuries, with five transported to hospitals.
- Frontier Airlines and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the incident.
- Runway 17L will remain closed during the investigation.