Intruder Killed on Runway After Collision With Frontier Airlines Plane; Passengers Evacuate Via Slides

A shocking incident at Denver International Airport saw a Frontier Airlines flight abort takeoff and evacuate passengers after colliding with an individual who had breached runway security. The flight, en route to Los Angeles, was preparing for departure late Tuesday evening when the aircraft struck the trespasser on the tarmac. The impact ignited the plane's engine, creating a scene of chaos and fear.

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The deceased person broke through the airport perimeter fence about 2 minutes before the incident and ran onto the runway.

Airport officials confirmed that the deceased individual had penetrated the airport's perimeter fence approximately two minutes before the collision. Initial assessments suggest the person was not an airport employee. Videos circulating online appear to capture the terrifying moment of impact, with audible thuds and subsequent screams from passengers inside the cabin. One passenger described the cabin filling with thick smoke, making breathing difficult, before the emergency evacuation was initiated.

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The wheels briefly left the ground and then landed back on the runway, after which the fire broke out. Thick smoke filled the entire cabin, making it really hard to breathe.

Passengers recounted hearing a loud noise, with some seeing the engine on fire through the windows. The pilot immediately halted the takeoff procedure, and all 224 passengers and 7 crew members evacuated the Airbus A321 using emergency slides. While the majority escaped unharmed, 12 individuals reported minor injuries, and five were transported to medical facilities for treatment.

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After hearing the loud noise, I looked out the window and saw the engine on fire.

From the perspective of Taiwan's Liberty Times, this event highlights critical security lapses at a major international airport. While Western media might focus on the operational disruption and passenger safety protocols, our coverage emphasizes the breach itself and the potential systemic failures that allowed an individual to access an active runway. The fact that the trespasser died on impact and subsequently caused a fire underscores the severe consequences of such security failures. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the constant vigilance required to maintain aviation security, a concern that resonates deeply in a region keenly aware of potential threats.

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A trespasser breached Denver International Airport security, deliberately climbing the fence and running onto the runway.