2 employees killed, 1 injured in Delta Air Lines maintenance incident

ATLANTA — Two employees were killed, and a third injured after a tire exploded in a Delta Air Lines maintenance area at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport around 5 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 27.

The deceased have been identified by the Clayton County Medical Examiner’s Office as Mirko Marweg, 58, and Luis Aldarondo, 37.

The employees were team members of Delta TechOps, which is responsible for airline maintenance and repair. Authorities said the incident involved wheel components that were being disassembled for maintenance and were not attached to an aircraft when the incident happened. The incident did not impact operations at the airport, officials said. Investigations into the incident are continuing.

John Laughter, executive vice president and chief of operations and president of TechOps, sent a note to the TechOps team after the incident,, stating in part:  

“TechOps Team,

I’m deeply saddened to share that three TechOps team members were involved in an accident that took place early this morning in Atlanta TOC 3, Dept. 391 – Wheel & Brake Shop. Tragically, two of our team members involved passed away and one other team member was seriously injured. 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. EAP resources will be onsite at the ATL TOC to support our teams as long as needed.”

Delta Air Lines also released a statement following the fatal incident:

“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). 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.“

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens extended his condolences and thoughts to the families and loved ones of those who were killed and injured, stating on social media X:

“I offer my deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased Delta employees. My thoughts are also with those who were injured and I hope for their swift and full recovery. AFRD, APD, and HuAIA teams are on the scene, working diligently to address the situation.”

District 3 Atlanta City Council member Byron Amos issued the following:

“As the Chair of the City of Atlanta Transportation Committee, I would like to offer my sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the workers who lost their lives today while striving to ensure the safety of passengers traveling through our beloved Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. To those who were hurt, we stand with you to offer prayers for a speedy recovery.”