An incident at a Delta Air Lines maintenance area at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport has left at least two people dead and a third seriously injured.
Atlanta's Channel 2 Action News confirmed through multiple sources that a tire exploded on a Delta Boeing 757 plane while it was being removed from the aircraft early in the morning after it arrived in Atlanta from Las Vegas on Sunday night, killing one employee and a contractor. A second Delta employee also reportedly suffered a "major injury," though there is no information regarding that person's condition. There were no passengers on the plane at the time.
There have also been no details released on what may have caused the explosion, and none of the victims have been identified.
In a statement on Tuesday, Delta likewise confirmed the two deaths and injury.
"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," the statement read. "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," it continued. "We are now working with local authorities and conducting a full investigation to determine what happened."
The incident has not impacted airport operations, airport officials confirmed, and the Federal Aviation Administration says it is aware of what happened and is in communication with Delta.
"I offer my deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased Delta employees," said Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens in a statement posted to social media. "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."
