Delta stated that the injured worker is receiving medical treatment.
According to the airline, the incident involved wheel components that were being disassembled and were not connected to the aircraft. While the cause remains unidentified, Delta confirmed that an investigation is ongoing.
The Federal Aviation Administration acknowledged awareness of the incident and is in communication with the airline. The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, a union representing many airline industry workers, has called for an investigation into the fatalities. Notably, most of Delta’s workforce is not unionized, according to CBS.
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“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 union said in a statement.
With few details, local authorities expressed support for the victims and their families.
Airport officials called it a “tragic incident”.
“I offer my deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased Delta employees,” Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens said in a statement posted online. “My thoughts are also with those who were injured, and I hope for their swift and full recovery.”
The aircraft arrived in Atlanta from Las Vegas on Sunday, according to online flight records.
The incident does not appear to have affected air traffic at the airport on Tuesday.
Delta is headquartered in Atlanta. Hartsfield-Jackson airport is the world’s busiest in terms of passenger numbers.
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