2 workers die after tire explodes at Delta Air Lines maintenance facility

ATLANTA (WANF/Gray News) - Two people have been killed and one was hurt when a tire apparently exploded at the Delta maintenance facility at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport Tuesday morning.

Atlanta Fire and Rescue said they responded just after 5 a.m.

The three employees were part of Delta’s TechOps team and the incident happened at the wheel and brake shop at the facility, John Laughter, Delta TechOps president said in a memo to employees.

The two employees killed were identified as 58-year-old Mirko Marweg and 37-year-old Luis Aldarondo.

“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,” Delta said in a statement. “We have extended our full support to family members and colleagues during this incredibly difficult time.”

In a statement Marweg’s son said his father worked for Delta for several years and loved his job. He said his family is devastated and they need their space to grieve.

“I offer my deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased Delta employees,” Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens said in a statement on social media. “My thoughts are also with those who were injured, and I hope for their swift and full recovery.”

The IAM Union, which has been trying to get a union created for Delta employees, confirmed that a tire exploded at the maintenance facility.

“We stand in unity with Delta workers during this difficult time and we call on Delta and the relevant authorities to quickly launch a thorough investigation into how this happened,” the IAM Union said in a statement.

A Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport spokesperson said that the incident happened on Delta property and did not impact any operations at the airport.

“Our prayers are with the families affected by the tragic incident at Delta Air Lines’s Technical Operations Maintenance facility this morning,” a statement on the airport’s social media accounts read. “We send condolences to our partners as they continue to ‘Keep Climbing’ during this difficult time.”

Delta thanked first responders and medical teams.

“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 Occupational Safety and Health Administration has started an investigation into the incident.

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