Two Dead, One Seriously Injured in Possible Explosion at Delta Maintenance Facility in Atlanta
A tragic incident at Delta Air Lines’ maintenance facility in Atlanta resulted in the deaths of two workers and serious injury to a third following a “possible explosion.” The accident occurred Tuesday morning at Delta TechOps’ wheel and brake shop within the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
According to initial reports from Delta TechOps and first responders, the explosion involved a tire and its components, which were being disassembled for maintenance. The wheel was neither attached to an aircraft nor near one at the time of the incident. Emergency responders arrived to find three employees on the floor, with medics working to address severe injuries and major bleeding.
One witness described hearing the explosion and seeing workers fleeing before discovering a body on the ground with blood around it. The names of the deceased workers have been identified as Mirko Marweg, 58, and Luis Aldarondo, 37, by the Clayton County Medical Examiner’s Office. The third worker, whose identity has not yet been released, is currently hospitalized.
Delta Air Lines has expressed deep sorrow over the accident and is collaborating with local authorities to investigate the cause. The airline emphasized that the incident did not affect airport operations and has pledged full support to the affected employees’ families.
John Laughter, Delta’s executive vice president and chief of operations, stated that the company is devastated by the incident and is providing support resources at the maintenance facility. Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens and airport officials have also extended their condolences and support to the victims’ families and the injured worker.