Two people have died after a tire exploded on a Delta plane while it was being changed at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
A Delta employee and a contractor were killed at the scene, while a third person was seriously injured.
The incident took place at around 5 a.m. on Tuesday morning in the airport’s maintenance area.
The plane reportedly arrived in Atlanta from Las Vegas on Sunday evening, WSB-TV reported.
Two people have died after a tire exploded on a Delta plane while being changed at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
Delta Air Lines said in a statement: “The Delta family is heartbroken by the loss of two team members and the injury of another following an incident this morning at the Technical Operations Maintenance facility in Atlanta.
‘We express our full support to family members and colleagues during this incredibly difficult time.
“The Delta family is grateful for the quick response of the emergency services and medical teams on site.”
Flights to and from the airport are not affected by the tragedy.
Delta has pledged to cooperate with local authorities as an investigation is launched to determine what went wrong.
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens released a statement Tuesday morning confirming the tragedy and offering his condolences to the families of those involved.
He said: ‘I extend my deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the deceased Delta employees.
My thoughts are also with those who were injured, and I hope for their speedy and full recovery. AFRD, APD and HJAIA teams are on the scene and working diligently to address the situation.
More coming soon.
Delta Air Lines said in a statement: “The Delta family is heartbroken by the loss of two team members and the injury of another following an incident this morning at the Technical Operations Maintenance facility in Atlanta.”