Washington: A fatal incident occurred at Denver International Airport in the United States after a person breached airport security, entered the runway area and was struck by a departing aircraft.

According to airport authorities, the individual climbed over a perimeter fence and was hit shortly after by Frontier Airlines Flight 4345 during its takeoff roll on Friday night at around 11:19 pm local time.

The airport confirmed that the pedestrian died at the scene and is not believed to have been an airport employee. Their identity has not yet been released.

Officials said the aircraft, an Airbus A321 bound for Los Angeles, was carrying 224 passengers and seven crew members at the time of the incident. Frontier Airlines stated that 12 passengers reported minor injuries, with five taken to hospital for further treatment.

Air traffic audio suggested the pilots immediately reported an emergency after the collision, including an engine fire. The aircraft was evacuated shortly after landing safely on the runway.

“The pedestrian is deceased and is not believed to be an employee of the airport nor have they been identified,” the airport said in a statement, adding that initial inspections showed the perimeter fence was intact.

US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed that local law enforcement is investigating the incident, describing it as a deliberate breach of airport security.

He warned against trespassing on airport property, stating that the individual had “deliberately scaled a perimeter fence” before entering an active runway area.

The National Transportation Safety Board has been notified and has launched an investigation. Runway 17L remains closed while authorities continue their inquiries.

The Denver Fire Department confirmed that a brief engine fire following the impact was quickly extinguished. Frontier Airlines said it is cooperating fully with investigators and expressed condolences over the incident.