A Frontier Airlines plane collided with an individual walking on the runway at Denver International Airport

A Frontier Airlines plane taking off for Los Angeles from Denver International Airport on Friday evening apparently hit a person walking on Runway 17L, ABC News has learned.

An official confirmed to ABC News that the person was at least partially consumed by one of the engines, causing a brief engine fire, which was extinguished by firefighters.

Officials said the pilots soon after reported smoke in the cabin, forcing them to begin an evacuation through the slides.

At least one minor injury to a passenger was reported and everyone on board was evaluated, which is standard procedure after an evacuation.

“Frontier Flight 4345 reported striking a pedestrian during takeoff from Denver Airport at approximately 11:19 p.m. on Friday, May 8, 2026. There was a brief engine fire that was immediately extinguished by the Denver Fire Department,” a statement from Denver International Airport said. “Emergency crews responded to the scene and bused passengers to the terminal. There were 231 people on board. The emergency response and investigation are ongoing. The NTSB has been notified. Runway 17L will remain closed while the investigation is conducted.”

Passengers evacuated the plane on the runway and were transported by buses to the terminals.

According to air traffic control audio obtained by ABC News, pilots reported an engine fire and smoke inside the plane after the crash.

“We are investigating this incident and gathering further information in coordination with the airport and other safety authorities,” Frontier Airlines said in a statement. “We are deeply saddened by this event.”

The Denver Police Department is assisting in the investigation of the incident, but said it does not have any further information to provide because it is an active investigation.