A “possible explosion” at Delta Air Lines’ Atlanta Technical Operations Maintenance facility at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport resulted in the deaths of two workers and left one seriously injured. Delta TechOps and first responders confirmed the incident.
The accident occurred on Tuesday morning at Delta’s wheel and brake shop. Responders discovered three Delta employees on the floor and worked to control major bleeding, according to the Atlanta Fire and Rescue Department’s report.
An employee recounted hearing an explosion and seeing colleagues fleeing. “I realised they were running to get help. I walked toward where the explosion occurred and saw a body lying face down, not moving, with blood all around,” the worker told officials.
Delta stated that the accident involved a tyre and its components. The wheel was not attached to or near an aircraft at the time, and was being disassembled for maintenance, investigators confirmed.
Airport operations remained unaffected by the incident, airport officials said. Delta is collaborating with local authorities and conducting a thorough investigation to ascertain the cause of the accident. The airline expressed heartbreak and gratitude for the prompt response from first responders and medical teams.
Two dead after explosion at Delta Air Lines maintenance depot
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The Clayton County Medical Examiner’s Office identified the deceased workers as Mirko Marweg, 58, and Luis Aldarondo, 37. The third employee remains hospitalised and has not been identified.
John Laughter, Delta TechOps’ executive vice president, chief of operations, and president, stated, “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. Employee assistance programme resources will be onsite at the Atlanta Technical Operations Maintenance facility to support our teams as long as needed.”
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens and airport officials also offered their condolences, with the mayor expressing hope for the swift and full recovery of those injured.
What Other Media Are Saying
- AOL.com reports that two Delta workers were killed and one seriously injured in an explosion at a maintenance facility in Atlanta, following the detachment of a plane’s tire. (read more)
- News.com.au reports on the tragic incident at Delta Air Lines’ Atlanta maintenance facility where two workers were killed and one injured after an airplane tire explosion. (read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What happened at the Delta Air Lines’ Atlanta facility?
Two workers were killed and one was injured in a possible explosion.
Where did the explosion occur?
The explosion happened at Delta’s wheel and brake shop.
Did the incident affect airport operations?
No, the incident had no impact on airport operations.
Who were the workers killed in the incident?
The workers killed were Mirko Marweg, 58, and Luis Aldarondo, 37.
What is Delta doing in response to the incident?
Delta is conducting a full investigation and offering support to the victims’ families.