A tire explosion in the maintenance area of Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport killed two early Tuesday morning. WSB-TV reports that the tire exploded while workers were attempting to remove it from the plane. The explosion killed both a Delta employee and a contractor. A third person who is also a Delta employee was seriously injured, although their condition is not known at this time. In a statement, Delta said:
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 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.
It’s currently not clear what caused the explosion, and none of the victims’ names have been released. According to airport officials, they have been able to continue operations despite the incident. Mayor Andre Dickens also released a statement saying, “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. AFRD, APD, and HJAIA teams are on the scene, working diligently to address the situation.”
Earlier this year, Delta had a different tire issue in Atlanta. Back in January, a Boeing 757 lost its front wheel right before taking off from Hartsfield-Jackson. The flight was immediately canceled, and everyone onboard was able to safely get off the plane. While no one enjoys a canceled flight, they probably at least appreciated the fact that someone noticed before they took off.