ATLANTA — Two people were killed, and a third person was seriously injured in an incident Tuesday morning at Delta's TechOps facility at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the company said.
A union group that has campaigned to organize employees at Delta, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), said it had received reports the incident was a tire exploding during some kind of operational work.
The Clayton County Medical Examiner's Office later identified the victims of the incident as:
- 58-year-old Mirko F. Marweg of Stone Mountain
- 37-year-old Luis Aldarondo of Newnan
So far, Delta has said the incident involved wheel components that were being disassembled for maintenance and not attached to an aircraft. However, a report from Atlanta Fire Rescue listed a narrative from a worker who was there when the situation unfolded. In the report, AFR also said they responded to a "tire explosion."
"I heard an explosion behind me and saw my co-workers running away from the direction of the explosion. I realized they were running to get help," the report indicates.
The witness added they saw a body with blood, according to the report.
In a statement, the company said it was "working with local authorities and conducting a full investigation to determine what happened." It happened at the wheel and brake shop, a note to employees from TechOps President John Laughter said.
"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)," a Delta statement said. "We have extended our full support to family members and colleagues during this incredibly difficult time. "
Delta's TechOps facility handles maintenance, repair and overhaul for the airliner, according to its website. A Hartsfield-Jackson public affairs spokesperson said there was "no impact to operations at the airport."
Delta's president of TechOps, John Laughter, sent a note to employees stating:
I’m deeply saddened to share that three TechOps team members were involved in an accident that took place early this morning in Atlanta TOC 3, Dept. 391 - Wheel & Brake Shop. Tragically, two of our team members involved passed away, and one other team member was seriously injured. We are extending our full support to their families at this difficult time and conducting an investigation to determine what happened.
This news is heartbreaking for all of us. EAP resources will be onsite at the ATL TOC to support our teams as long as needed. Please do not hesitate to contact EAP, your leader or TechOps Human Resources for any assistance or support you need. Spring Health counselors are also available 24/7 at [redacted].
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. We’re all in this together, and we’ll get through this by supporting each other.
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens posted a statement on X about the incident: "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."
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers also issued a statement: "The IAM Union, which represents over 100,000 members in the airline industry across North America, stands in solidarity with the community of Atlanta and expresses our deepest condolences to the victims’ families following the tragic incident that occurred this morning. 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. 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.”