ATLANTA — A law firm announced it is investigating the Delta TechOps "tire explosion" that killed two people and seriously injured another.
Beasley Allen's LaBarron Boone and co-counsel Duane King said they will be investigating the tragic incident and will be representing the family of one of the people who died -- Mirko Marweg.
RELATED: Family grieving after loved one killed in 'tire explosion' incident at Delta TechOps facility
Marweg worked in Delta's TechOps paint shop for nearly 20 years, contributing to the maintenance and repair of the airline's fleet, according to a release by the firm. In August, 58-year-old Marweg of Stone Mountain and 37-year-old Luis Aldarondo of Newnan were the two employees who died. Marweg was originally not scheduled to work, but he took an extra shift.
The law firm said that the Air Force veteran and handyman, who family fondly knew as "Mr. Fix-It," was performing routine maintenance on an airplane tire when the explosion happened.
The firm said that the tire was not mounted on the aircraft but was being prepared for transport. When workers began unloading the tire, it exploded -- sending a metal piece flying and hitting the workers. Beasley Allen said that the force was so severe it nearly decapitated him and severed his arm. They also said identification was only possible through his tattoos and a signature lanyard.
LaBarron Boone said they are honored to represent Marweg's family and are committed to finding out what led to his death.
"Our ultimate goal is to achieve justice for his family and to ensure that such a tragedy never occurs again," Boone said.
After the tragedy happened, Delta Air Lines said in a statement that the accident involved "aircraft wheel components." It also stated it was investigating. OSHA confirmed is was investigating as well.
A report from Atlanta Fire Rescue listed a narrative from workers who were there when the situation unfolded.
"I heard an explosion behind me and saw my co-workers running away from the direction of the explosion. I realized they were running to get help," the report indicates.
The witness added they saw a body with blood, according to the report.
A source close to the investigation told 11Alive at the time that the accident was a result of several factors with the wheel components malfunctioning.
Delta did not specify the nature of the incident. In a statement, the company said it was "working with local authorities and conducting a full investigation to determine what happened." TechOps President John Laughter wrote to employees that it happened at the wheel and brake shop.
