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"We just hit somebody": Audio captures the moment a Frontier plane fatally struck a pedestrian on the runway
Updated on: May 9, 2026 / 9:40 AM EDT / CBS News
TL;DR
- Audio recordings captured the moments after a Frontier Airlines flight struck a pedestrian during takeoff from Denver International Airport.
- The pilot reported hitting an individual, an engine fire, and smoke in the aircraft.
- Passengers and crew evacuated the plane using inflatable slides.
- The pedestrian was killed after reportedly jumping a perimeter fence and crossing the runway.
- No major injuries were reported among the 224 passengers and seven crew members.
- 12 people reported minor injuries, and five were transported to hospitals.
- Frontier Airlines and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the incident.
- The runway where the incident occurred remained closed during the investigation.