Two Delta Air Lines employees were killed and a third suffered major injures at the Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta Tuesday, the airline confirmed.
The accident took place at the airline’s TechOps maintenance facility, Delta spokesperson Samantha Facteau told USA TODAY.
Atlanta Police Department Major Kelley Collier told USA TODAY emergency crews responded to the scene about 5 a.m.
According to officials, a plane tire exploded while being changed, killing both employees and sending a third to a hospital to be treated for serious injures.
The extent of the third Delta worker’s injuries was not immediately known.
“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 company released a statement to USA TODAY. “We have extended our full support to family members and colleagues during this incredibly difficult time.
“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.”
‘Heartbreaking for us all’
In a statement shared with staff obtained by USA TODAY, Delta TechOps Chief of Operations and President John Laughter told company employees the accident took place in the department’s wheel and brake shop.
“Tragically, two of our team members involved passed away and one other team member was seriously injured,” Laughter wrote. “We are extending our full support to their families at this difficult time and conducting an investigation to determine what happened. This news is heartbreaking for all of us.”