What Was the Delta Airlines Tire Explosion Incident in Atlanta?

Based on USA Today, The incident occurred at the airline's TechOps maintenance facility at about 5 AM at the Atlanta Airport, claiming two lives and injuring one.

Delta TechOps Chief of Operations and President John Laughter said,

"Tragically two our team members involved passed away and one team member was seriously injured. we are extending our full support to their familieis at this difficult time and conducting an investigation too determine what happened. This news is heartbreaking for all of us."  

How did the accident occur?

Delta Airlines informed that the explosion occurred while the wheel components were being disassembled for maintenance at a wheel and brake shop and the parts were unattached to the plane at that time. 

Nevertheless, the officials have not released the official cause of the explosion despite authorities' notification, such as the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration, for an investigation. 

Post tire explosion at the airport, police as well as Atlanta fire units rushed to the maintenance hangar shortly after 5 Am. However, Delta Airlines claimed that no flights were affected. 

Delta Response to the Tire Explosion and Loss of Members. 

"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)." The statement was given by the company to USA TODAY.  

This tragic incident also took away the lives of 2 workers of Delta Airlines at the maintenance facility and one injured whose injuries were not known. What Delta said: 

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

Delta assured that it would provide support to the affected families and colleagues. The incident occurred around 5 AM when the fire units reported on time to reduce the chances of any other causality at the Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta. 

"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. This news is heartbreaking for all of us." 

"Please know your safety and well-being comes first--always, and that your leaders are here for you." said the President. 

Were flight operations affected?

According to certain statements released by Delta officials, the incident did not affect operations. Each flight, including departure or arrival, was on time.