On August 28, 2024, an early morning explosion at Delta Air Lines’ maintenance facility near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in Georgia claimed the lives of two workers and left another seriously injured. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Delta are investigating the cause of the accident, which occurred around 5 a.m. in the facility’s wheel and brake shop.
The two victims have been identified as Mirko F. Marweg, a 58-year-old Delta employee, and Luis Aldarondo, a 37-year-old contractor. A third worker, who has not been named, was critically injured and transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. The accident took place as the workers disassembled wheel components for routine maintenance. Contrary to earlier reports, according to multiple sources, the tire was not attached to an aircraft at the time of the explosion.
Delta conveyed deep sadness over the loss of two employees and the injury of another in the incident, acknowledging the impact on their workforce. The airline also affirmed that it is working closely with OSHA and local authorities to investigate the cause of the explosion.
Delta TechOps President John Laughter assured employees in an internal message, stressing the company’s dedication to their safety. He conveyed that their safety and well-being are the top priority, and leadership is there to offer support. He emphasized that they would overcome this situation by standing together and helping one another.
The accident occurred in Delta’s wheel and brake shop, which performs specialized maintenance for Delta and other aviation customers. The facility produces approximately 100 wheels and 20 brakes daily, essential components for maintaining Delta’s fleet.
This incident comes as Delta and other airlines face heightened scrutiny over aviation safety. While the investigation is ongoing, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, which represents many of Delta’s ground workers, has called for a comprehensive review of safety protocols at the facility. The union is pushing for stronger protections for ground maintenance workers, who often handle high-risk tasks under tight deadlines.
Early reports indicate that the explosion did not impact airport operations, and flights in and out of Hartsfield-Jackson continued on schedule.
In recent months, Delta and other airlines have dealt with several high-profile safety issues involving Boeing aircraft, leading to increased scrutiny of the manufacturer’s products. In one incident earlier this year, a tire fell off a Delta aircraft in San Francisco, crushing several cars but causing no injuries.