At least two people were killed and a third was seriously injured in an incident at a Delta Air Lines maintenance area at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
Atlanta's Channel 2 Action News Multiple sources have confirmed that a Delta Boeing 757 plane suffered a tire blowout during an early morning deplaning on Sunday night after arriving in Atlanta from Las Vegas, killing an employee and a contractor. A second Delta employee was reported to have suffered “serious injuries,” but there is no word on that person's condition. There were no passengers on the plane at the time.
There is no word yet on what caused the explosion and none of the victims have been identified.
Delta confirmed two deaths and injuries in a statement Tuesday.
“The Delta family is heartbroken over the loss of two team members and the injuries of another following an incident at the Atlanta Technical Operations Maintenance facility this morning,” the statement said. “We offer our full support to our family members and colleagues during this incredibly difficult time.”
“The Delta family is grateful for the quick action of first responders and medical teams at the scene,” he continued. “We are currently working with local authorities and conducting a thorough investigation to determine what happened.”
Airport officials confirmed that the incident did not affect airport operations, and the Federal Aviation Administration said it was aware of what happened and was in communication with Delta.
“My deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the deceased Delta workers,” Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens said in a statement shared on social media. “My thoughts are also with those injured and I hope for their full and speedy recovery. AFRD, APD and HJAIA teams are on scene working diligently to address the situation.”
