Two Killed In Boeing Plane Tyre Explosion At US Airport

Two people have died, and another is seriously injured after a tyre exploded on a Boeing plane while undergoing maintenance.

The Delta Air Lines’ Boeing 757 was at a maintenance facility for the airline at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport when the incident occurred.

Maj Kelley Collier of the Atlanta police department said emergency services were called to the facility at around 5am on Tuesday, local time.

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Mirko Marweg, 58, and Luis Aldarondo, 37, have been identified by the Clayton County medical examiners office as the two victims. Meanwhile, the third person was taken to hospital with “major injuries”.

Delta is cooperating with local authorities and is “conducting a full investigation to determine what happened”.

“The Delta family is heartbroken at the loss of two team members and the injury of another following an incident this morning. We have extended our full support to family members and colleagues during this incredibly difficult time,” Delta said in a statement.

“The Delta family is grateful for the quick action of first responders and medical teams on site.”

The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers said the incident needed investigation.

“We stand in unity with Delta workers during this difficult time and we call on Delta and the relevant authorities to quickly launch a thorough investigation into how this happened.”

The plane travelled from Las Vegas to Atlanta on Sunday night, local time.

It is unknown at this stage what caused the explosion.

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