UPDATE: Tire explosion sent metal ‘flying like a missile,’ killing 2 workers at Atlanta’s airport

ATLANTA — A tire explosion at a maintenance shop at Atlanta’s airport sent a piece of metal “flying like a missile” Tuesday morning, killing two workers and seriously injuring another.

Sources confirm that a tire that was being worked on inside a shop exploded, killing a Delta employee and a contractor. The Clayton County Medical Examiner’s Office identified the victims as Mirko Marweg, 58, of Stone Mountain and Luis Aldarondo, 37, of Newnan.

A second Delta employee suffered a major injury. That person’s identity and condition has not been released.

Delta Air Lines released a statement on Tuesday morning that confirmed two people were killed in the incident and another person was injured.

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). 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.

Details on what led up to the explosion have not been released.

In a note to Delta employees, officials said the accident happened inside the wheel and brake shop.

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens released a statement sharing his condolences to the families.

“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,” he wrote.

According to flight information associated with the plane’s tail number, the aircraft arrived in Atlanta from Las Vegas on Sunday night.

Airport officials have confirmed that there is no impact to airport operations because of this incident.

The Federal Aviation Administration says they are aware of the incident and is in communication with Delta.

OSHA is also investigating the incident.