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Two dead after explosion at Delta Air Lines maintenance depot

27 August 2024, 20:48 | Updated: 27 August 2024, 23:20

Two people have been killed and another seriously injured after an explosion at a Delta Air Lines maintenance depot at Atlanta's airport in Georgia.

An aircraft tyre reportedly exploded, according to a union representative who spoke to Sky News' US partner, NBC News.

Several fire and police units responded to a hangar at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Georgia shortly after 5am (10am UK time).

The airline said it is conducting an investigation and working with local authorities.

"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," Delta said in a statement.

"We have extended our full support to family members and colleagues during this incredibly difficult time."

A spokesman for the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration said the agency had also started an investigation.

The wheel and brake maintenance facility where the explosion happened is part of Delta TechOps, which performs maintenance, repair and overhaul work for Delta and more than 150 aviation and airline customers around the world.

In 2023, Atlanta was ranked as the world's busiest airport, handling 104 million passengers.

The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers sent their condolences to the workers' families.

The union, which represents airline industry workers across North America, said: "We will offer our resources to all those impacted by this tragic event," adding "we call on Delta and the relevant authorities to quickly launch a thorough investigation into how this happened".

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport also issued a statement saying its "prayers are with the families affected by the tragic incident".

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Writing on X, Atlanta's mayor Andre Dickens said: "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."

Meanwhile, in January a nose wheel fell off a Boeing 757 jet which was taxiing on the runway with 184 passengers on board at Atlanta's international airport.

The wheel "came off and rolled down the hill" as the Delta Air Lines flight was waiting to take off, according to a report from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which is still investigating the incident.