Frontier Flight Hits Pedestrian on Runway During Denver Takeoff, Sparks Evacuation

A Frontier Airlines plane struck a pedestrian on a runway at Denver International Airport as it took off for Los Angeles on Friday night, the airline and airport said.

Flight 4345 hit the individual during takeoff from runway 17L just after 11:15 p.m., according to statements from Frontier and the airport. Pilots aborted the takeoff after smoke filled the cabin. They stopped the aircraft, and crew evacuated 224 passengers and seven crew members using slides as a precaution. No one on board was hurt.

Denver Fire Department crews responded and extinguished a brief engine fire. Emergency workers then bused passengers back to the terminal.

Passenger John Anthens, traveling with his son Jacob, told CBS News he sat by a window over the wing. He saw a spark, then a big explosion in the wing and engine area. Screams followed as thick smoke poured into the cabin.

Anthens said passengers waited on the frigid runway for about an hour before buses took them to the terminal.

The flight to Los Angeles International Airport was rescheduled for Saturday morning, CBS News Los Angeles reported.

Frontier is investigating. The National Transportation Safety Board has been notified. The cause of the incident, including the engine fire, remains unknown. Runway 17L will stay closed during the probe.

John Filipelli contributed to this report.