A Delta employee and a contractor at the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport were killed, and a third person was seriously injured on Tuesday morning when a plane tire exploded, Channel 2 Action News reported.
Sources told the local news outlet workers were working on a Delta plane tire in a maintenance area at the airport when it exploded and sent a piece of metal “flying like a missile.” Delta Air Lines confirmed that two people were killed in the accident, and another person was injured. It remains unclear what caused the plane’s tire to explode.
The two victims who were killed have been 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 (TOC 3). We have extended our full support to family members and colleagues during this incredibly difficult time,” the airline said in a statement. “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.”
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There was no update on the condition of the injured Delta employee as of Tuesday afternoon.
Channel 2 Action News reported that flight information showed that the airplane landed in Atlanta from Las Vegas on Sunday night. Airport officials confirmed that the deadly incident has not affected any other flights. The Atlanta airport is considered the busiest in the world.
“I offer my deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased Delta employees,” Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens said. “My thoughts are also with those who were injured, and I hope for their swift and full recovery. AFRD, APD, and HJAIA teams are on the scene, working diligently to address the situation.”
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This article has been updated with additional information.