BackWORLD
Denver airport tragedy: Pedestrian dies after being hit by Frontier Airlines plane
A Frontier Airlines aircraft struck and killed a pedestrian on the Denver International Airport runway during takeoff, causing an engine fire and evacuation of passengers. The pedestrian breached a perimeter fence and died from injuries; authorities say the person was not an airport employee.
Why It Matters
Raises questions about perimeter security and aviation safety protocols at a major U.S. airport.
Timeline
2 Events
Pedestrian breach of perimeter and death confirmed
May 9, 2026
An airport spokesperson told the Associated Press that the pedestrian, who had breached a perimeter fence and was struck two minutes after entering the airport premises, has died from injuries. The person was not believed to be an airport employee.
Frontier Airlines plane hits pedestrian on DEN runway during takeoff
May 8, 2026
A Frontier Airlines aircraft traveling from Denver to Los Angeles International Airport struck and killed a pedestrian on the runway during takeoff at Denver International Airport (DEN) at approximately 11:19 p.m. on May 8, 2026. The impact ignited an engine fire and prompted the evacuation of passengers.