Explosion at Delta Air Lines maintenance depot results in two fatalities | Global News
Two individuals lost their lives and another sustained serious injuries following an explosion at a Delta Air Lines maintenance depot at Atlanta’s airport in Georgia.
According to a union representative who spoke to NBC News, the incident was caused by an aircraft tyre exploding.
Several fire and police units rushed to a hangar at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Georgia around 5am local time (10am UK time).
Delta Air Lines stated that they are conducting an investigation in collaboration with local authorities.
In a statement, Delta expressed their sorrow for the loss of two team members and the injury of another in the accident at the Atlanta Technical Operations Maintenance facility.
A spokesperson for the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration confirmed that an investigation had been initiated.
The explosion occurred at the wheel and brake maintenance facility, which is part of Delta TechOps and provides maintenance, repair, and overhaul services for Delta and over 150 aviation and airline customers globally.
In 2023, Atlanta was ranked as the world’s busiest airport, handling 104 million passengers.
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers offered their condolences to the families of the deceased workers, pledging to provide support to those affected by the tragic event.
The union called for a thorough investigation by Delta and the authorities into the cause of the incident.
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport also extended their thoughts and prayers to the affected families.
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Atlanta’s mayor Andre Dickens expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased Delta employees and wished for the quick recovery of the injured individuals.
In a separate incident in January, a nose wheel detached from a Boeing 757 jet as it was taxiing with 184 passengers onboard at Atlanta’s international airport.
According to the US Federal Aviation Administration, the wheel detached and rolled down a hill while the Delta Air Lines flight was waiting for takeoff. The incident is still under investigation.
