US: Two Workers Killed, Another Injured After Tire Explodes At Delta Air Lines' Maintenance Facility In Atlanta

The incident happened at 5 am on Tuesday at the maintenance hangar near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport after which fire units and police rushed to the spot. 

Delta Air Lines said it is working with the local authorities to investigate the incident.

Source : X/Delta Air Lines

Two workers were killed and another injured in an explosion at a Delta Air Lines maintenance facility near the Atlanta airport in the US on Tuesday.

The airliner said it is working with the local authorities to investigate the incident, according to a report in the Associated Press.  

As per reports, a tire on the plane exploded, killing one Delta staff and a contract worker. However, the victims were not immediately identified.

The incident happened at 5 am on Tuesday at the maintenance hangar near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport after which fire units and police rushed to the spot. 

“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,” Delta Air Lines said in a statement. 

“We have extended our full support to family members and colleagues during this incredibly difficult time," it added.

Delta Air Lines also thanked first responders for "the quick action" and said they are working with local authorities on an investigation into what led to the explosion.

Responding to the incident, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens said, "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."

The aircraft's tail number suggested that the plane touched down in Atlanta from Las Vegas on Sunday night, according to reports. But, the manufacturer and model of the plane was not immediately known.

The Federal Aviation Adminstation (FAA) said it was "aware of the event and is in communication with the airline". Meanwhile, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, a union representing airline workers, called for an investigation into the deaths.