Two employees have been killed and another injured when a tire exploded at a Delta TechOps maintenance facility near Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL).
The accident took place shortly after 05:00 local time on August 27, 2024.
The airline said the explosion occurred when wheel components were being disassembled for maintenance at a wheel and brake shop, according to ABC News. The parts were not attached to the aircraft at the time of the explosion, the airline said.
“The Delta family is heartbroken at the loss of two team members and the injury of another following an incident at the Atlanta Technical Operations Maintenance facility,” Delta said in a statement released on August 27, 2024.
The victims were identified by The Clayton County Medical Examiner’s Office, but no further details about the workers’ employment length, positions and job responsibilities have been disclosed.
Delta confirmed on the afternoon of August 27, 2024, that the injured worker was still receiving medical treatment.
Andre Dickens, Mayor of Atlanta, took to X to offer his condolences to the family and friends of the victims.
“I offer my deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased Delta employees,” Dickens wrote. “My thoughts are also with those who were injured, and I hope for their swift and full recovery.”
Dickens added that the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department (AFRD), Atlanta Police Department (APD) and ATL airport teams were “working diligently to address the situation.”
Delta stated that it is currently working with local authorities to investigate the accident.
