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Horrifying new details in deaths of Delta workers killed by exploding tire near Atlanta airport
The son of one of two Delta workers killed by an exploding tire at the Atlanta airport says his body was left 'unrecognizable.'
Mirko Marweg, 58, was among two workers who died while wheel components were being disassembled for maintenance at Delta's TechOps Tire and Maintenance facility near the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
His son Andre Coleman told Atlanta’s 11Alive news station that his family was forced to rely on Marweg's tattoos and a Mississippi State lanyard to identify him.
Coleman added that he wanted to see his father because he didn’t believe he was dead. But a medical examiner told the family the body was unrecognizable.
Marweg, who lived in Stone Mountain, Georgia, worked for Delta for more than 20 years and was planning to retire in a few months, according to 11Alive.
Mirko Marweg, 58, (pictured with his daughter at her graduation) was one of the two Delta Airlines workers killed by a tire explosion at Atlanta Airport
Marweg's son Andre Coleman told Atlanta’s 11Alive news station that his family was forced to rely on Marweg's tattoos and a Mississippi State lanyard to identify him
Coleman said his father was a loving man who just Sunday had helped change the oil in his motorcycle.
'That’s the kind of dad he was. He was always there,' Coleman said.
Marweg served in the military, following generations of his family over the past century, including his father, sister, brothers, nephew, son, and granddaughter.
Aldarondo, on his part, had a young son and daughter with his wife Sonia, and is close with his mother Juliet Perez.
The Clayton County Medical Examiner’s Office identified the second victim as Luis Aldarondo, 37, of Newnan, Georgia. The worker who was seriously injured remained under medical care Wednesday, Delta spokesperson Samantha Moore Facteau said in an email.
Delta said previously the wheel parts that were being disassembled when the explosion occurred were not attached to a plane at the time.
The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration said it opened an investigation. The cause of the explosion has not been released.
Marweg with his wife in a recent photo
The facility where the explosion happened is part of Delta TechOps, which performs maintenance, repair and overhaul work for Delta and more than 150 aviation and airline customers around the world.
John Laughter, the President and Chief of Operations of Delta TechOps, issued a note to staff on Tuesday morning acknowledging the tragedy is 'heartbreaking for us all.'
He said: 'I’m deeply saddened to share that three TechOps team members were involved in an accident that took place early this morning in Atlanta... Wheel & Brake Shop.
'Please know your safety and wellbeing comes first – always, and that your leaders are here for you. Please continue to take good care of yourself and one another.
'We’re all in this together, and we’ll get through this by supporting each other.'
Marweg served in the military (pictured in his navy uniform), like generations of his family over the past century, including his father, sister, brothers, nephew, son, and granddaughter
Luis Aldarondo Jr, 37, was also killed. He is pictured with his wife, young son and daughter, and another family member
Two people have died after a Delta airplane tire exploded while it was being changed at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
Laughter said resources will remain onsite to assist for as long as required, and directed distressed staff to the HR department, while also offering a 24/7 counseling service.
Delta Air Lines said in a statement: '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.
'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.'