In a bizarre but horrifying incident in the United States, a Frontier Airlines flight bound for Los Angeles struck a walking man on the runway at Denver International Airport on Friday night, according to reports.
According to a statement from the airline, the incident occurred during takeoff at approximately 10:15 pm local time.
An air traffic control recording showed the pilot saying the engine was on fire and smoke was coming from the plane before telling air traffic controllers the plane had to be evacuated on the runway, NBC News reported.
The airline said passengers were evacuated using slides as a precautionary measure.
“We are investigating this incident and coordinating with airport and other security authorities to gather additional information,” the border statement read in part.
“We are deeply saddened by this incident,” it added.
According to the airline, there were 224 passengers and seven crew members on board the Airbus A321 aircraft.
The plane was originally scheduled to land at Los Angeles International Airport at 12:16 p.m., but had to be rescheduled for Saturday morning.
