Delta Air Lines investigates explosion that killed two workers at Atlanta factory

According to the airline, two workers died and a third was seriously injured in an explosion in a Delta Air Lines maintenance hangar near Atlanta airport on Tuesday.

Delta is working with local authorities to investigate the early morning explosion at a wheel and brake repair shop.

“The Delta family is deeply saddened by 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 pledged our full support to family members and colleagues during this incredibly difficult time.”

Delta said it is working with local authorities to investigate the incidents at the wheel and brake shop.

WSB-TV reported that a tire on an airplane had burst. The station cited anonymous sources.

Delta thanked first responders and medical teams.

Operations at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport were not affected by the fatal incident, an airport spokesman said.

“We are now working with local authorities and conducting a full investigation to determine what happened,” the Atlanta-based airline said.

DeltaTechOps

The facility where the accident occurred is part of Delta TechOps, which performs maintenance, repair and overhaul for Delta and more than 150 aviation and airline customers worldwide.

The president of TechOps, Delta Executive Vice President John Laughter, said in a note to employees that Delta would provide counselors. “We are all in this together and will get through this by supporting each other,” he said.

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens posted on X to express his condolences to the victims' families.

The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers called on Delta to launch a swift and thorough investigation into “how this happened.” The union is trying to organize 20,000 ground workers at Delta, most of whom are non-union.