Two people have died and a third was seriously injured after a Delta plane tire exploded near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
RELATED: Desiigner Charged with Indecent Exposure After Recent Plane Incident
More details on Delta plane tire explosion in Atlanta
According to WSBTV, the incident occurred early Tuesday morning, August 27. A tire on the Boeing 757 was reportedly being repaired at a maintenance shop near the airport, according to The Guardian. During the repair, the tire reportedly exploded. Furthermore, it killed “a Delta employee and a contractor.”
Additionally, a third person, also a Delta employee, was said to have suffered “serious injuries.” However, WSBTV notes that the identities of the victims have not yet been released.
LATEST NEWS: Two workers killed at #Plain maintenance facility near Hartsfield-Jackson – https://t.co/wpd89Exmrs #Atlanta @ajc photo.twitter.com/WMAgrBpf9K
— John Spink (@johnjspink) August 27, 2024
How did the airline respond?
The airline confirmed two deaths and another employee was injured on Tuesday, August 27, the news agency reported.
“The Delta family is deeply saddened by the loss of two team members and the injury of another following this morning’s incident at the Atlanta Technical Operations Maintenance Facility (TOC 3),” the airline said in a statement, according to the source. “We offer our full support to the family members and colleagues during this incredibly difficult time.”
Furthermore, the airline’s statement expressed gratitude for the “quick action of first responders and medical teams on site.”
“We are currently working with local authorities and conducting a full investigation to determine what happened,” the statement concluded.
In addition to Delta’s statement, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens also spoke out about the incident.
“I would like to extend my deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the Delta employees who passed away,” Dickens said. “My thoughts are also with the injured and I hope they make a speedy and full recovery. AFRD, APD and HJAIA teams are on the scene, working hard to resolve the situation.”
My deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the Delta employees who died. My condolences to those injured and my best wishes for a speedy and full recovery. AFRD, APD and HJAIA teams are on scene working diligently to resolve the situation.
– Andre Dickens (@andreforatlanta) August 27, 2024
Here’s what’s been reported about the Delta tire explosion
According to WSBTV, the tire was involved in a Delta flight from Las Vegas on Sunday, August 25.
While the investigation into the incident is ongoing, Delta’s TechOps department, or maintenance and repair department, has reportedly pledged to “deploy counselors” to assist employees as they work through the tragedy, according to CBS News.
“We are in this together, and we will get through this by supporting each other,” John Laughter, Delta’s president of TechOps and executive vice president, was quoted as saying.
RELATED: Woman accused of stabbing taxi driver, police officer and Delta employee at Atlanta airport
What do your roommates think?
