Two killed when Delta plane tire explodes at Atlanta airport with third person rushed to hospital with serious injuries

AT least two airline workers are dead, and a third was severely injured after an airplane tire explosion.

The horrific incident occurred at around 5 am on Tuesday in the maintenance area at Atlanta ‘s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.

AP:Associated Press

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AP

AP

The tire on the Delta Airlines plane exploded while it was being removed, according to ABC affiliate WSB-TV .

The explosion killed two airline workers, who were described as a Delta employee and contractor.

A second Delta employee was rushed to the hospital with severe injuries.

The names of the victims were not immediately released.

Delta Airlines released a statement confirming the death of two of its employees.

“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 airline said.

“We have extended our full support to family members and colleagues during this incredibly difficult time.

“The Delta family is grateful for the quick action of first responders and medical teams on site.”

Airport Tragedies

On August 27, 2024, two airline workers were killed and another was injured after a tire on a Delta Airlines plane exploded while it was being removed at Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.

The incident is one of many dangers airport employees and passengers face on a daily basis.

• August 2024 : A 57-year-old woman died at Chicago’s O’Hare Airport after she entered a restricted area and became entangled in the luggage conveyor belt at Terminal 5.
• June 2023 : An airline worker at San Antonio International Airport died after being sucked into a plane engine .
• January 2023 : A baggage handler died at Montgomery Regional Airport in Alabama after being sucked into a plane’s engine.

The plane arrived in Atlanta on Sunday evening from Las Vegas , according to flight logs obtained by WSB-TV.

An investigation has been launched to determine what caused the tire to explode.

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens confirmed several police agencies are involved in the probe.

“I offer my deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased Delta employees,” Dickens said in a statement on X.

“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 incident did not impact flight operations in and out of the airport.

Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport was named the busiest airport in the world, according to Airport Council International.

The airport saw approximately 104.7 million passengers in 2023, an 11 percent increase from the previous year.

Delta Airlines' complete statement

A tire on a Delta Airlines plane exploded on Tuesday while in the maintenance facility at Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. The incident left two dead and a third was severely injured.

Delta Airlines’ full statement on 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),” the airline said.

“We have extended our full support to family members and colleagues during this incredibly difficult time.

“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.”