According to reports from both CBS News and PBS, a Frontier Airlines jet struck and killed a "pedestrian" as the plane was preparing for takeoff from the Denver airport. Didn't he see the "Walk/Don't Walk" sign while he was strolling on the tarmac?
A Frontier Airlines plane hit and killed a pedestrian on the runway of the Denver International Airport during takeoff, airport authorities said, sparking an engine fire and forcing passengers to evacuate.https://t.co/fGx5MN9wIL
— PBS News (@NewsHour) May 9, 2026
"We just hit somebody": Audio captures the moment a Frontier plane hit a pedestrian on a runway before a takeoff in Denver. https://t.co/dKkqcHlJgQ
— CBS News (@CBSNews) May 9, 2026
This is a good reminder that fake news is not confined to politics or Trump. They will euphemize literally anything. A man storms an airport runway and becomes a “pedestrian.” https://t.co/VjTYuhBeR2
— Hans Mahncke (@HansMahncke) May 9, 2026
Just taking his after-dinner stroll.
— You Otter Know (@Barbie530652452) May 9, 2026
He should've used the crosswalk 🤣
— VivaLV777 (@PebbyFstone) May 9, 2026
He was using the crosswalk. pic.twitter.com/9K9z4PdZvQ
— MAGA. Still not tired. (@Ralph_Laurentz) May 9, 2026
Why on earth would a "pedestrian" be on the runway? You're OF COURSE, leaving out a lot of vital information. pic.twitter.com/cPMWK5RGkR
— Cindy (@asheborn57) May 9, 2026
Pedestrian? I too just take strolls on an active airport runway.
— Mike (@thinkorswim0712) May 9, 2026
The pedestrian jumped over a fence and ran onto the runway.
— Tired of being politically correct (@USBornNRaised) May 9, 2026
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy had more details on the tresspasser:
Recommended
Late last night, a trespasser breached airport security at Denver Int’l Airport, deliberately scaled a perimeter fence, and ran out onto a runway.
— Secretary Sean Duffy (@SecDuffy) May 9, 2026
The trespasser on the runway was then struck by Frontier Airlines Flight 4345 during takeoff at high speed. The pilot stopped… https://t.co/x2oVY1b0AH
The post continues:
… takeoff procedures immediately.
The Frontier plane was then quickly evacuated while law enforcement and firefighters responded.
Preliminary reports are 12 people were hurt, with 5 taken to the hospital.
Local law enforcement handles airport security and is investigating with support from the @FAANews and TSA.
No one should EVER trespass on an airport.
It sounds like suicide by jet. Or a would-be suicide bomber.
Why the hell is this not being treated as terrorism? The person jumped an exterior fence and aligned with the engine of a plane attempting to take off. That's attempting to sabotage a takeoff of a plane with 200+ souls on board.
— Kyle (@krazyd0h) May 9, 2026
Play stupid game …
— Pirate Sailor (@piratesailor999) May 9, 2026
And get sucked into a jet engine
So it begs the question about airport safety.
If someone can easily get on an active runway, why are we taking off our belts and shoes to get on the plane?
Five people were taken to the hospital. This wasn't just a matter of the "pedestrian" getting squished.
That’s horrible. Those poor pilots are going to be second guessing themselves and they shouldn’t be. The person was obviously a lunatic. And @CBS is a pile of you know what for claiming he was a pedestrian. Awful and intentional framing that directs blame to the wrong party.
— Gracie (@Gracie77777) May 9, 2026
First hunch is murder-suicide. Looking to cause a crash and instant, unstoppable death.
— Just a Molecular Machine (@Moleculemachine) May 9, 2026
What if this man was primed with explosives? Better perimeter security is needed at airports.
— SaucyRossi (@Rossikane23) May 9, 2026
Those fences are not easy to get over, for a reason. There is no reason to do that unless you were up to no good or just a plain idiot.
— Jake Denver (@JakeDenver6) May 9, 2026
“Pedestrian?” On a runway?
— OldSoul828 (@OldSoul828) May 9, 2026
A few people are pointing out that the word "pedestrian" is applicable in this situation, although it makes it sound like an accident that was Frontier's fault.
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