Two people were killed and one was injured when a tire reportedly exploded at a Delta Air Lines facility adjacent to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on Tuesday morning, officials said.
The Clayton County Medical Examiner’s Office identified the dead Tuesday evening as Mirko F. Marweg, 58, of Stone Mountain; and Luis Aldarondo, 37, of Newnan.
In response to an inquiry about the workers' length of employment, titles and job duties, Delta spokesperson Anthony L. Black said, "We are not releasing any details on our Delta employees at this time."
In an earlier statement, the airline confirmed the deaths and the injury of members of its staff.
"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),” the statement said. “We have extended our full support to family members and colleagues during this incredibly difficult time."
A Delta spokesperson said there was an incident in Delta's TechOps facility in Atlanta involving “a wheel component” just after 5 a.m. The TechOps division is North America's largest provider of maintenance, repair and aircraft overhauling, according to Delta's website.
Delta said it is investigating the incident and working with local authorities. It did not specify what kind of incident led to the deaths and the injury; a union representing workers at the airport cited reports of a tire explosion.
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, a union that represents airline industry workers across North America, extended condolences to the victims’ families in a statement on the reported tire explosion.
“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 said. “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.”
Earlier Tuesday morning, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens said Atlanta Fire & Rescue, Atlanta police and airport teams were "working diligently to address the situation."
"I offer my deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased Delta employees," Dickens wrote on X. "My thoughts are also with those who were injured, and I hope for their swift and full recovery."
The airport said in a statement that its "prayers are with the families affected by the tragic incident."
