Two Delta Air Lines employees were tragically killed, and another seriously injured, in a tire explosion at the airline’s maintenance facility near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on Tuesday morning.
The incident occurred shortly after 5:00 a.m. local time at the Delta TechOps wheel and brake shop, where wheel components were being disassembled for maintenance. According to Delta, the parts were not attached to an aircraft at the time of the explosion.
Local medical authorities identified the deceased as Mirko Marweg, 58, and Luis Aldarondo, 37. The injured worker’s name has not been released, but Delta confirmed they are receiving medical care.
“The Delta family is heartbroken at the loss of two team members and the injury of another,” the airline said in a statement. “We have extended our full support to family members and colleagues during this incredibly difficult time.”
Delta has launched a full investigation into the incident in collaboration with local authorities and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has also opened an investigation.
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, a union representing many airline industry workers, called for a thorough investigation into the cause of the explosion. Although Delta’s workforce is largely non-union, the union expressed solidarity with the affected employees.
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens offered his condolences to the victims’ families and wished for the injured worker’s swift recovery.
The incident did not impact flight operations at Hartsfield-Jackson, the world’s busiest airport by passenger volume, according to airport officials.
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