Additional Coverage:
Fox News hosts appeared visibly shaken after a Frontier Airlines flight struck a pedestrian on the runway during takeoff at Denver International Airport, leading to an engine fire and an emergency evacuation of passengers.
The incident occurred around 11:19 p.m. on Friday, when the plane, headed to Los Angeles, reported hitting a person on the runway, according to Denver airport’s official social media update.
During the Fox and Friends broadcast, co-host Rachel Campos-Duffy-wife of U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy-questioned aviation expert and former FAA representative Kyle Bailey about whether he had ever witnessed a similar event. She also voiced her disbelief that runway security protocols would allow a pedestrian onto an active runway.
The timing of the tragedy drew critical attention on social media, as just hours earlier, the Duffys had appeared on Fox News discussing their seven-month family road trip across the country. Many viewers expressed frustration, with some suggesting the Secretary of Transportation should focus more on his official duties.
Sean Duffy recently revealed that he had spent parts of seven months filming a reality TV series documenting the family’s cross-country journey while still in office. He described the trip as an opportunity to blend work and family time, emphasizing their motto: “To love America is to see America.”
Promotional footage featured the family’s visit to the White House, where their children met former President Donald Trump, who was described as generous with his time. Duffy highlighted the accessibility of road trips, noting they can be adapted to fit any budget.
The runway incident at Denver International has raised serious questions about airport safety measures and oversight, particularly concerning how a pedestrian gained access to an active takeoff area. Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding this tragic event.