DENVER - A Frontier airlines plane taking off for Los Angeles late Friday struck and killed a person who jumped a perimeter fence and was crossing the runway, according to airport and airline officials.
The Airbus A321 had begun accelerating down the runway for takeoff when the pilots reported to air traffic controllers that they'd hit someone, officials said. The pilots aborted takeoff as smoke began filling the cabin, and and passengers evacuated the plane via slides, Frontier Airlines said in a statement to USA TODAY.
The identity of the pedestrian was not immediately released. Airport officials said the as-yet unidentified person had jumped the security fence two minutes earlier. Federal officials confirmed they have begun an investigation, and called the pedestrian a "trespasser."
"We are deeply saddened by this event," Frontier said in a statement. "We are investigating this incident and gathering more information in coordination with the airport and other safety authorities."
The plane had 224 passengers and seven crew members aboard, all of whom were safely evacuated. Twelve people reported minor injuries, and five of them were transported to local hospitals for treatment, airport officials said. The runway remains closed for investigation.
