Two workers were killed and another seriously injured in a tire explosion at a Delta Air Lines maintenance facility near the Atlanta airport. The explosion occurred while wheel components were being disassembled for maintenance, but they were not attached to a plane at the time. The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration is investigating the incident, and Delta has not yet released the cause of the explosion.
Emergency responders were on the scene shortly after the incident, but flights were not affected, and Delta’s maintenance operation continued as normal. The airline expressed its condolences to the families of the victims and offered support to affected employees.
The facility where the explosion occurred is part of Delta TechOps, which provides maintenance services for Delta and other aviation customers. The airline has made counselors available to employees, and is working with authorities to determine what happened.
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, which is seeking to organize Delta ground workers, called for a thorough investigation into the incident. Mayor Andre Dickens offered his condolences to the families of the victims.
Delta has thanked first responders and medical teams for their assistance and stated that they are committed to supporting those affected by this tragic event. The investigation into the cause of the explosion is ongoing.
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