Delta plane tire explodes at Atlanta airport, leaving two dead and one seriously injured
Two people were killed and a third seriously injured Tuesday when a tire exploded as it was being changed on a Delta Air Lines plane at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
The explosion took place at the airline’s TechOps maintenance facility about 5 a.m., killing two Delta workers and leaving another airline worker badly injured, according to USA Today.
The extent of the injuries wasn’t known.
The fatal victims were identified as Mirko Marweb, 58, and Luis Aldarondo, 37, both of Georgia, WSB-TV reported.
The tragic accident happened in the department’s wheel and brake shop, Delta TechOps Chief of Operations and President John Laughter said.
“Tragically, two of our team members involved passed away and one other team member was seriously injured,” Laughter said. “We are extending our full support to their families at this difficult time and conducting an investigation to determine what happened. This news is heartbreaking for all of us.”
Delta expressed its condolences to the victims in a statement issued Tuesday.
“The Delta family is heartbroken at the loss of two team members and the injury of another following an incident this morning at the Atlanta Technical Operations Maintenance facility (TOC 3). We have extended our full support to family members and colleagues during this incredibly difficult time,” the airline wrote.
“The Delta family is grateful for the quick action of first responders and medical teams on site. We are now working with local authorities and conducting a full investigation to determine what happened.”
The plane traveled from Las Vegas to Atlanta on Sunday night. It was not immediately clear what caused the explosion.
