A person tragically has died after being hit by a plane that was taking off on the runway at a major international airport. The Frontier Airlines flight reportedly struck the individual who is believed to have been walking on the runway at Denver International Airport on Friday night.

The incident happened at around 11.19pm when Frontier Flight 4345 reported striking a person during takeoff, according to a statement from Denver International Airport. There were 231 passengers on board. At least one of them reported a minor injury, and everyone on board is currently being assessed as part of the standard post‑evacuation procedure, reports ABC News.

Passengers exited the aircraft on the runway using emergency slides before being transported to the terminals by emergency crews.

Air traffic control audio published by ATC.com captured the crew alerting the tower to the situation. In the recording, the pilot says: “Tower, Frontier 4345, we’re stopping on the runway… we just hit somebody… we have an engine fire.”

When asked for the number of people aboard, the pilot replies, “We have 231 souls on board… There was an individual walking across the runway.” Moments later, the pilot reports that an evacuation is required.

“We’ve got smoke on the aircraft, we’re gonna evacuate on the runway,” the pilot says.

Frontier Airlines said in a statement: “As flight 4345 was departing this evening from Denver International Airport to Los Angeles International Airport, the aircraft reportedly struck a pedestrian on the runway during takeoff.

“Smoke was reported in the cabin and the pilots aborted takeoff. Passengers were then safely evacuated via slides as a matter of precaution.

“The Airbus A321 was carrying 224 passengers and seven crew members. We are investigating this incident and gathering more information in coordination with the airport and other safety authorities. We are deeply saddened by this event.”