• Runway breach leads to fatal collision with aircraft during takeoff in the United States
• Emergency evacuation after engine fire, with several passengers sustaining minor injuries

A tragic incident unfolded at Denver International Airport in the United States after an aircraft struck a person who had entered the runway, resulting in the individual’s death and an engine fire.

Air traffic control recordings captured the aftermath, with the pilot informing the tower that the aircraft had hit a person and that an engine fire had broken out after the flight bound for Los Angeles was forced to abort takeoff.

Authorities said the unidentified individual had scaled an airport fence and entered the runway shortly before the incident, moving into the path of the aircraft as it accelerated for departure.

The airline confirmed there were 224 passengers and seven crew members on board, all of whom were evacuated using emergency slides as a precaution. Twelve passengers sustained minor injuries, with five taken to nearby hospitals for further evaluation.

Airport officials said firefighters quickly contained the engine fire, while passengers reported seeing smoke inside the cabin prior to evacuation.

The airline described the incident as tragic and said it is cooperating with investigators, while U.S. transportation authorities stressed that airport security must never be breached under any circumstances.

Following the evacuation, passengers were transported back to the terminal and later rebooked on alternative flights, as the runway was temporarily closed for investigation.