Two people have died after a Delta airplane tire exploded while it was being changed at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
A Delta employee and contractor were killed at the scene, while a third person suffered serious injuries.
The incident occurred in the maintenance area of the airport just after 5am on Tuesday.
Delta TechOps is responsible for the maintenance of all the airline’s planes, and Atlanta serves as the global headquarters, servicing more than 200 routes around the world.
It is understood the plane arrived in Atlanta from Las Vegas about 9pm on Sunday night, WSB-TV reported.
The incident comes just months after a Delta plane lost its nose wheel while attempting to take off from the same airport.
Two people have died after a Delta airplane tire exploded while it was being changed at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
Delta Air Lines said in a statement: ‘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.
‘We have extended our full support to family members and colleagues during this incredibly difficult time.
‘The Delta family is grateful for the quick action of first responders and medical teams on site.’
Flights in and out of the airport have not been impacted by the tragedy.
Delta has vowed to work with local authorities as an investigation is launched to determine what went wrong.
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens issued a statement on Tuesday morning confirming the tragedy and issuing his condolences to the loved ones of those involved.
He 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. AFRD, APD, and HJAIA teams are on the scene, working diligently to address the situation.’
Delta Air Lines said in a statement: ‘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’
The tragedy comes just months after a Delta plane flying out of the same airport lost the nose tire as it attempted to take off.
The Boeing 757 was set to take off from Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta to Bogota, Colombia in January but was delayed because of the incident.
According to the FAA, the nose wheel came off and rolled down the hill as during the line up and wait to take off.
Delta TechOps is responsible for the maintenance of all the airline’s planes, and Atlanta serves as the global headquarters
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