The atmosphere in the cockpit of a Frontier Airlines flight departing from Denver suddenly froze. A recently released cockpit voice recorder reveals the terrifying moment when the pilots realized the nightmare was beginning the moment of takeoff.

Frontier Airlines Passengers Evacuated After Plane Hit a Person on the Runway During Takeoff at Denver Airport

“We are investigating this incident and gathering more information in coordination with the airport and other safety authorities,” Frontier Airlines said in a statement

Frontier Airlines Airbus A320 aircraft

A Frontier Airlines jet in 2024.Credit : Kevin Carter/Getty

NEED TO KNOW

On Friday, May 8, a Frontier Airlines plane bound for Los Angeles struck a pedestrian on the runway at Denver International Airport during takeoff
The pilot reported smoke in the cabin and an engine fire, leading to an emergency evacuation of the 231 people on board
“We are deeply saddened by this event,” Frontier Airlines said in a statement, while confirming that an investigation into the incident has been launched

Passengers on a Frontier Airlines plane were forced to evacuate after the aircraft struck a person during takeoff.

On Friday, May 8, Frontier Flight 4345 “struck a pedestrian on the runway” while taking off at Denver International Airport (DEN), Frontier Airlines confirmed in a statement to PEOPLE.

The aircraft had been bound for Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).

“Smoke was reported in the cabin and the pilots aborted takeoff,” the airline said. “Passengers were then safely evacuated via slides as a matter of precaution.” There were 224 passengers and seven crew members on board at the time.

A DEN spokesperson told PEOPLE that the airport “can confirm the pedestrian jumped the perimeter fence and was hit just two minutes later while crossing the runway.”

“The pedestrian is deceased, and is not believed to be an employee of the airport, nor have they been identified,” the spokesperson continued. “The airport has examined the fenceline and found it to be intact.”

Denver International Airport

Denver International Airport.Getty

In air traffic control audio obtained by ABC 7, the pilot can be heard reporting that a person was struck, as well as the engine fire.

“Tower, Frontier 4345, we’re stopping on the runway. Uh, we just hit somebody … we have an engine fire,” said the pilot, per the outlet. “We have 231 souls on board. There was an individual walking across the runway.”

The pilot then announced his decision to abort the flight, saying, “We’ve got smoke on the aircraft, we’re gonna evacuate on the runway.”

According to the DEN spokesperson, “12 people reported minor injuries, and 5 of these were transported to local hospitals.”

Frontier Airlines told PEOPLE, “We are investigating this incident and gathering more information in coordination with the airport and other safety authorities.

“We are deeply saddened by this event,” the airline added.

The Denver Police Department (DPD) is assisting in an investigation into the incident.

PEOPLE has reached out to the NTSB for comment.

DEN confirmed the incident in a statement to PEOPLE, adding that it occurred late in the evening.

“Frontier Flight 4345 reported striking a pedestrian during takeoff at DEN at approximately 11:19 p.m. on Friday, May 8, 2026. There was a brief engine fire that was promptly extinguished by the Denver Fire Department,” the airport said. “Emergency crews responded to the scene and bussed passengers to the terminal.

“Emergency response and investigation are ongoing,” DEN concluded. “The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has been notified.”

The runway will remain closed amid an ongoing investigation into the incident.