ATLANTA – An explosion at a Delta Air Lines maintenance facility near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on Tuesday morning killed two workers and seriously injured another, the airline confirmed.
The incident occurred shortly after 5 a.m. at Delta’s wheel and brake shop, part of its Technical Operations Maintenance facility. Delta stated it is working with local authorities to investigate the cause of the explosion.
WSB-TV, citing unnamed sources, reported that a tire on a plane exploded, though this has not been officially confirmed.
Multiple Atlanta fire units and police responded to the scene. The explosion did not affect flights into or out of the airport.
“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 said in a statement. The airline extended support to the families and colleagues of those affected.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is in contact with Delta regarding the incident. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has also initiated an investigation, according to spokesman Eric Lucero.
Delta TechOps, where the explosion occurred, performs maintenance, repair, and overhaul work for Delta and over 150 aviation and airline customers worldwide.
John Laughter, Delta Executive Vice President and president of TechOps, announced that counselors would be made available to employees.
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens expressed condolences to the victims’ relatives on social media. The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, currently attempting to organize Delta’s ground workers, called for a thorough investigation into the incident
