Two Delta Air Lines employees were killed and a third suffered serious injuries at Hartsfield–Jackson International Airport in Atlanta on Tuesday, the airline confirmed.
The accident occurred early Tuesday at the airline’s TechOps maintenance facility, Delta spokeswoman Samantha Facteau told USA TODAY.
Airline officials told USA TODAY that a tire burst while changing a plane’s tires. Both employees died and a third was taken to the hospital for treatment of serious injuries.
The extent of the third Delta worker’s injuries was not immediately known.
“The Delta family is heartbroken over 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),” the company issued a statement to USA TODAY. “We have pledged our full support to family members and colleagues during this incredibly difficult time.”
“The Delta family is grateful for the quick response of first responders and medical teams on the scene. We are now working with local authorities and conducting a full investigation to find out what happened.”
“Heartbreaking for all of us”
In a statement obtained by USA TODAY, John Laughter, chief of operations and president of Delta TechOps, told company employees that the accident occurred in the department’s wheel and brake shop.
“Tragically, two of our team members involved have died and another team member has been seriously injured,” Laughter wrote. “We extend our full support to their families during this difficult time and are conducting an investigation to determine what happened. This news is heartbreaking for all of us.”
“Please know that your safety and well-being always come first and that your politicians are there for you,” the president wrote. “Please continue to take good care of yourself and others.”
USA TODAY has reached out to airport officials, Atlanta police and the Atlanta Fire Department.
Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter at USA TODAY. Reach her at [email protected] and follow her on X at @nataliealund.
