Exploding tire on Delta plane kills 2 workers and injures 1 in Atlanta, airline says
Two people were killed and a third was injured in an accident involving a Delta airplane at a maintenance facility near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the airline told news outlets.
It happened just after 5 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 27, at a Delta TechOps hangar, Delta said. The facility handles maintenance, repairs and overhaul services for the airline, according to its website.
A plane tire exploded while it was being worked on, killing a Delta worker and a contractor, WSB-TV reported. A second Delta employee was seriously injured.
The deceased were identified as Mirko Marweg, 58, and Luis Aldarondo, 37, WAGA reported, citing the Clayton County Medical Examiner’s Office.
Delta didn’t name the injured worker but said they were still receiving medical care.
“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),” a Delta spokesperson told McClatchy News in a statement.
“We have extended our full support to family members and colleagues during this incredibly difficult time.”
In an update, the airline added the incident “involved wheel components” that were being taken apart for maintenance and were “not attached to an aircraft” at the time. It’s not clear what led to the explosion.
Delta said the investigation into the incident is ongoing.
This story was originally published August 27, 2024 at 11:20 AM with the headline "Exploding tire on Delta plane kills 2 workers and injures 1 in Atlanta, airline says."