Additional Coverage:
- Sean Duffy slammed as he breaks silence over Frontier Airlines disaster: ‘How did they not stop him?’ (themirror.com)
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy faced sharp criticism online after addressing the fatal incident involving a Frontier Airlines flight at Denver International Airport.
In a statement posted on X, Duffy described the event as a trespassing breach, saying, “A trespasser breached airport security, scaled a perimeter fence, and ran onto the runway.” He explained that the individual was struck by Frontier Airlines Flight 4345 during takeoff at high speed, prompting the pilot to immediately abort the takeoff. Duffy confirmed that 12 people sustained injuries, with five requiring hospital treatment, and emphasized, “No one should EVER trespass on an airport.”
However, many social media users were quick to point out that Duffy’s message notably omitted the fact that the person hit by the plane died. Others expressed disbelief that airport security failed to prevent the trespasser from reaching the runway.
“How did they not stop him?” questioned one commenter. “The security guards couldn’t intercept him?”
Some questioned whether the incident should be treated as a potential terrorist act. One user wrote, “The person jumped a fence and positioned themselves directly in front of a plane with over 200 people aboard. This could have been an attempt to sabotage a takeoff.”
Others speculated the event might have been a suicide attempt, though officials have not confirmed any motive. “Unusual, yes. Terrorism, no,” one person suggested, while another urged patience for more information before drawing conclusions.
The flight, destined for Los Angeles, reportedly struck a pedestrian around 11:19 p.m. on Friday, according to Denver International Airport. The deceased individual, believed to be an airport employee, had been on the premises for approximately two minutes before the collision.
The pilot informed air traffic control, “We’re stopping on the runway. We just hit somebody.
We have an engine fire,” and noted there were 231 people onboard. Emergency services were deployed immediately, with passengers evacuated via slides and transported to the terminal by emergency vehicles.
Frontier Airlines confirmed that the Airbus A321, carrying 224 passengers and seven crew members, aborted takeoff after smoke was detected inside the cabin. The airline stated it is working closely with airport authorities and safety officials to investigate the incident further.