SouthernWorldwide.com – An audio recording has captured the distressing moments following an incident where a Frontier Airlines flight struck a pedestrian on the runway at Denver International Airport on Friday.
The recording, sourced from ATC.com, begins with the air traffic control tower granting the pilot clearance for takeoff and extending well wishes to the flight crew.
Approximately 30 seconds into the audio, the Frontier pilot’s voice is heard announcing, “I am stopping on the runway.” This is followed by the chilling statement, “We just hit somebody. We have an engine fire.”
Air traffic control personnel then provide immediate instructions to the pilot on how to safely maneuver the aircraft off the runway.
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When questioned for further details, the pilot clarified that “there was an individual walking across the runway.” Roughly 40 seconds later, the pilot reported “smoke in the aircraft” and indicated an intention to evacuate the plane on the runway.
Disturbing video footage, filmed by a passenger onboard and shared with CBS News, shows visible smoke within the aircraft’s cabin.
The footage also appears to reveal bloodstains on the plane’s engine. Passengers and the flight crew were observed using emergency slides to evacuate the aircraft.
As of the latest reports, there is no immediate information available regarding the condition of the pedestrian who was struck by the plane, nor any explanation as to how the individual gained access to the active runway.
Frontier Airlines has confirmed that none of the 224 passengers or seven crew members on board sustained any injuries during the incident.
Emergency services assisted in transporting the passengers back to the airport terminal. The flight, which was bound for Los Angeles, has been rescheduled.
Frontier Airlines has launched an internal investigation into the matter. The National Transportation Safety Board has also been notified and is expected to be involved.
The runway where the collision occurred will remain closed throughout the duration of the investigation, according to an announcement from Denver International Airport officials.
