Two workers lost their lives, and one was critically injured in an incident described as a “possible explosion” at Delta Air Lines’ Atlanta Technical Operations Maintenance facility, located at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, according to Delta TechOps and first responders.
The accident occurred on Tuesday morning at the facility’s wheel and brake shop, as confirmed by Delta TechOps.
When responders arrived at the scene, they discovered “three Delta employees on the floor” and worked to manage “major bleeding,” as detailed in the Atlanta Fire and Rescue Department’s incident report.
Delta stated that the accident involved a tire and its components. At the time of the incident, the wheel was neither attached to nor near an airplane.
According to investigators, the wheels were being “disassembled for maintenance” and were not connected to any aircraft.
Airport officials confirmed that the incident did not disrupt airport operations.
Delta announced that it is “working with local authorities and conducting a full investigation to determine what happened.”
The airline expressed that it is “heartbroken” and “grateful for the quick action of first responders and medical teams on site.”
The Clayton County Medical Examiner’s Office identified the deceased workers as 58-year-old Mirko Marweg and 37-year-old Luis Aldarondo. The third employee, who has not yet been identified, remains hospitalized, according to officials.
“We are extending our full support to their families at this difficult time and conducting an investigation to determine what happened,” said John Laughter, Delta’s executive vice president, chief of operations, and president of Delta TechOps, in a statement. “This news is heartbreaking for all of us. Employee assistance program resources will be onsite at the Atlanta Technical Operations Maintenance facility to support our teams as long as needed.”
Read More: Former Tennessee Officer Charged in Tyre Nichols’ Death Set to Change Plea
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens expressed his condolences, stating, “I offer my deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased Delta employees. My thoughts are also with those who were injured, and I hope for their swift and full recovery.”
Officials from Atlanta airport also extended their sympathies.
