At Least 2 Dead After Tire on Delta Plane Explodes

Early Tuesday morning, a tragic incident occurred at Georgia's Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport involving a Boeing airplane. The event took place in a Delta Air Lines maintenance area, resulting in the deaths of two individuals and serious injury to a third, according to WSB-TV.

The incident happened as crews were removing a tire from the plane, which exploded. Among those killed were a Delta employee and a contractor. The injured worker, who also sustained serious injuries, was another Delta employee.

The Boeing 757-200 jet had flown in from Las Vegas on Sunday night, with the incident occurring around 5 a.m. Tuesday, according to WAGA-TV.

Delta Air Lines released a statement expressing their sorrow: "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 statement read, as reported by WSB.

The statement continued, "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."

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens also shared his condolences: "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."

The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, which represents airline workers, called for a thorough investigation into the incident, according to NBC.

The names of the individuals involved have not been released, and the cause of the incident has not yet been determined.