Tires of a Delta plane explode at Atlanta airport. Two dead and one seriously injured

Two people were killed and a third was seriously injured on Tuesday when a tire burst during a tire change on a Delta Air Lines plane at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

The explosion occurred at about 5 a.m. in the airline's TechOps maintenance facility. According to USA Today, two Delta employees were killed and another airline employee was seriously injured.

The extent of the injuries was not known.

The fatalities were identified as Mirko Marweb, 58, and Luis Aldarondo, 37, both of Georgia, WSB-TV reported.

The tragic accident occurred in the department's wheel and brake shop, said John Laughter, operations manager and president of Delta TechOps.

“Tragically, two of our team members involved have died and another team member has been seriously injured,” Laughter said. “We extend our full support to their families during this difficult time and are conducting an investigation to find out what happened. This news is heartbreaking for all of us.”

In a statement released on Tuesday, Delta expressed its condolences to the victims.

“The Delta family is heartbroken over 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 pledged our full support to family members and colleagues during this incredibly difficult time,” the airline wrote.

“The Delta family is grateful for the quick response of first responders and medical teams on the scene. We are now working with local authorities and conducting a full investigation to find out what happened.”

The plane was traveling from Las Vegas to Atlanta on Sunday evening. It was initially unclear what caused the explosion.