A man has detailed how his father’s body was ‘unrecognizable’ after he perished in an explosion while working on a Delta Airlines plane.
Mirko Marweg, 58, an employee of Delta Airlines, lost his life on Tuesday, August 27, due to a tragic incident at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in Atlanta.
Marweg had been handling the preparation of a plane’s wheel components as part of routine maintenance when the explosion occurred.
Emergency personnel were called to the scene around 5am. It is believed that the tire involved in the incident was from a plane that had recently flown from Las Vegas.
Marweg died along with his co-worker, Luis Aldarondo, 37. Another crew member sustained serious injuries in the blast.
Following the tragedy, Delta TechOps COO John Laughter released a statement: “I’m deeply saddened to share that three TechOps team members were involved in an accident that took place early this morning in Atlanta TOC 3, Dept. 391 – Wheel & Brake Shop.
“Tragically, two of our team members involved passed away and one other team member was seriously injured.
“This news is heartbreaking for all of us.”
Delta Airlines also expressed their grief: “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.”
Andre Coleman, Marweg’s son, shared that his father’s body was ‘unrecognizable’ after the incident.
“I wanted to view the body because I didn’t believe it was true. Neither did my mom,” he told 11Alive News.
Coleman explained that he was advised against viewing his father’s body as the medical examiner deemed it ‘unrecognizable’.
The damage was so extensive that Coleman had to identify his father through his tattoos and the signature on his lanyard.
Just days before the incident, Marweg had been helping Coleman with his motorbike.
“That’s the kind of dad he was. He was always there. My dad was an amazing guy, wonderful father, wonderful husband,” Coleman added.
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers also addressed the tragic event.
“IAM stands in solidarity with the community of Atlanta and expresses our deepest condolences to the victims’ families following the tragic incident that occurred this morning,” they stated.
“As a union dedicated to the well-being and safety of our members and the broader community, we will offer our resources to all those impacted by this tragic event.
“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.”