Officials Identify Victims Of Delta Air Lines TechOps Fatal Tire Explosion

Summary

  • Two men who died from a tire explosion at a Delta Air Lines facility in Atlanta have been identified.
  • Delta has launched an investigation into the cause of the incident.
  • The carrier is offering full support to those who are affected by the tragedy.

Two people died and one was seriously injured on Tuesday after a tire exploded at a

Delta Air Lines

facility near Hartsfield–Jackson International Airport (ATL). The explosion reportedly happened during the early hours of the morning when wheel components were being disassembled from an aircraft.

The facility, which is adjacent to the airport, houses Delta TechOps, the carrier’s maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) division. It is reportedly the largest MRO provider in North America.

Two fatalities

According to NBC News, Georgia Clayton County Medical Examiner’s Office identified the two victims on Tuesday evening as 58-year-old Mirko F. Marweg from Stone Mountain, Georgia; and 37-year-old Luis Aldarondo from Newnan, Georgia.

Delta released a statement earlier on Tuesday, confirming the incident.

“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 (TOC 3). We have extended our full support to family members and colleagues during this incredibly difficult time.”

Delta Air Lines A350-900 on ground

Photo: Vincenzo Pace | Simple Flying

Delta would not provide any further details on the victims such as how long they have been employed at the airline, their title, or job duties. The incident did not impact the airline’s passenger or maintenance operations at ATL, but it reportedly happened just after 05:00. The wheel components that were being disassembled were not attached to an aircraft when the tire exploded. The one individual who sustained injuries from the tire explosion is receiving treatment at the hospital.

Launching an investigation

The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers represents airline industry workers across North America. In a statement obtained by NBC News, the union called on Delta to investigate the incident.

“As a union dedicated to the well-being and safety of our members and the broader community, we will offer our resources to all those impacted by this tragic event,” the union explained. “We stand in unity with Delta workers during this difficult time and we call on Delta and the relevant authorities to quickly launch a thorough investigation into how this happened.”

Delta confirmed on Tuesday that an investigation has been launched to determine what may have caused the tire to burst.

“The Delta family is grateful for the quick action of first responders and medical teams on site. We are now working with local authorities and conducting a full investigation to determine what happened,” the carrier stated.

Delta is headquartered in Atlanta and operates its largest hub at ATL. The airport shared a statement on Tuesday, sending its condolences to the airline.

“We’ll get through this by supporting each other”

John Laughter, the President and Chief of Operations at Delta TechOps, said the company is extending its full support to the victims’ families. In addition, Employee Assistance Program (EAP) resources will be onsite at the facility for “as long as needed” to support anyone affected by the incident.

“Please know your safety and wellbeing comes first – always, and that your leaders are here for you. Please continue to take good care of yourself and one another,” Laughter told employees. “We’re all in this together, and we’ll get through this by supporting each other.”

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