Two people died and a third person was reportedly seriously injured when a Delta plane's tire burst near Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
RELATED TOPICS: Designer charged with causing a public nuisance after recent plane incident
More details on Delta plane tire explosion in Atlanta
According to WSBTV, the incident occurred in the early hours of August 27. According to The Guardian, a maintenance shop near the airport was working on a tire on a Boeing 757 aircraft. During the operation, the tire allegedly exploded, killing “a Delta employee and a contractor.”
In addition, a third person, another Delta employee, reportedly suffered a “serious injury.” However, WSBTV points out that the identities of the victims have not been publicly released.
BREAKING: Two workers killed at #Delta maintenance facility near Hartsfield-Jackson – https://t.co/wpd89Exmrs #Atlanta @ajc pic.twitter.com/WMAgrBpf9K
— John Spink (@johnjspink) August 27, 2024
How did the airline react?
According to the outlet, the airline confirmed the deaths of the two people and the injury of the second employee on Tuesday, August 27.
“The Delta family is heartbroken over 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),” the airline's statement said, according to the outlet. “We have pledged our full support to family members and colleagues during this incredibly difficult time.”
In addition, the airline thanked the first responders and medical teams on site for their “quick response.”
“We are now working with local authorities and conducting a full investigation to find out what happened,” the statement concluded.
In addition to Delta's statement, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens also commented on the incident.
“I express my deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased Delta employees,” Dickens explained. “My thoughts are also with the injured and I hope for their quick and full recovery. The AFRD, APD and HJAIA teams are on site and are working diligently to manage the situation.”
I would like to express my deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased Delta employees. My thoughts are also with the injured and I hope for their quick and full recovery. The AFRD, APD and HJAIA teams are on site and are working hard to manage the situation.
— Andre Dickens (@andreforatlanta) August 27, 2024
Here's what was reported about the Delta tire explosion
According to WSBTV, the airplane tire is linked to a Delta flight that arrived from Las Vegas on Sunday, August 25th.
As the investigation into the incident progresses, Delta's TechOps, the maintenance and repair division, has announced it will “provide consultants” to assist employees in dealing with the tragedy, according to CBS News.
“We are all in this together and we will get through this by supporting each other,” said John Laughter, president of TechOps and executive vice president of Delta.
RELATED: Woman accused of stabbing taxi driver, police officer and Delta employee at Atlanta airport
What do you think, roommates?
