LOS ANGELES, May 9 (Xinhua) -- A Frontier Airlines flight departing for Los Angeles from Denver International Airport on Friday appeared to strike an individual walking on the runway during takeoff.

The incident occurred at about 11:19 p.m. local time Friday (0519 GMT Saturday), according to a statement from Denver International Airport.

Air traffic control audio captured the pilot saying there were "231 souls on board" and reporting "an individual walking across the runway," ABC News reported.

Pilots also reported an engine fire and smoke inside the aircraft following the incident. The Denver Fire Department responded to the scene and extinguished the fire.

Passengers were safely evacuated via emergency slides as a precaution. At least one passenger suffered minor injuries, reports said. ■