The Blubber

An airplane tire on a Boeing, $BA, 757-200 reportedly just exploded during maintenance killing 2 Delta, $DAL, employees in Atlanta.

Two people have died following an explosion of a Delta airplane tire while it was being changed at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

The victims, a Delta employee and a contractor, were pronounced dead at the scene, while a third person sustained serious injuries.

The incident took place in the airport's maintenance area just after 5 a.m. on Tuesday.

Delta TechOps, responsible for the maintenance of the airline's planes, operates out of Atlanta, which serves as Delta’s global headquarters, supporting over 200 routes worldwide.

According to reports from WSB-TV, the Boeing 757 involved had arrived in Atlanta from Las Vegas on Sunday night. Flight tracking data showed the plane had completed four short trips on Sunday, flying between Tampa, Atlanta, and Las Vegas.

This tragedy comes just months after another Delta Boeing lost its nose wheel while attempting to take off from the same airport.

John Laughter, Delta TechOps President and Chief of Operations, expressed his condolences in a message to staff on Tuesday morning, calling the event "heartbreaking for us all."

He stated, "I’m deeply saddened to share that three TechOps team members were involved in an accident early this morning in Atlanta’s Wheel & Brake Shop. Please know your safety and wellbeing come first—always. Your leaders are here for you, and we’ll get through this by supporting each other."

Laughter also noted that resources would remain on-site as needed and encouraged employees to seek support from HR or the company’s 24/7 counseling service.

In a statement, Delta Air Lines said, "The Delta family is heartbroken at the loss of two team members and the injury of another following this morning’s incident at the Atlanta Technical Operations Maintenance facility. We have extended our full support to the families and colleagues during this incredibly difficult time. We are also grateful for the quick response of first responders and medical teams on site."