Denver runway horror as person hit by Frontier Airlines jet and sucked into engine

A Frontier Airlines flight bound for Los Angeles struck and killed a person walking on a runway during takeoff at Denver International Airport. The individual was at least "partially consumed by one of the engines" triggering an engine fire that was put out by firefighters. Passengers were evacuated from the aircraft on the runway via emergency slides and transported to terminals by emergency crews on buses. Air traffic control audio obtained from ATC.com captured the crew reporting the crisis to the tower. "Tower, Frontier 4345, we're stopping on the runway. Uh, we just hit somebody... we have an engine fire," the pilot is heard on the audio from ATC. When questioned about the number of people on board, the pilot replied, "We have 231 souls on board... There was an individual walking across the runway." Shortly afterwards, the pilot reported deteriorating conditions and the urgent need to evacuate. "We've got smoke on the aircraft, we're gonna evacuate on the runway," the pilot said. Denver Fire Department rushed to the scene and extinguished the blaze. Frontier Airlines subsequently issued the following 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." A source familiar with the matter told ABC News that airport security had been checking the east perimeter fence on Saturday morning for any breaches, and the individual struck did not appear to be connected to the works taking place on an adjacent runway. Denver Police Department is supporting the ongoing investigation but confirmed they are unable to release further details while enquiries remain active. At least one passenger sustained a minor injury, and everyone aboard is currently being assessed, which is standard protocol following an aircraft evacuation.