California airport worker killed by exploding tyre on jet bridge
Officials launch investigation after explosion kills contractor at Southern California airport
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Your support makes all the difference.An employee working on an airport jet bridge in California was killed after a tyre exploded during maintenance.
Airport spokeswoman Deanne Thompson confirmed the accident happened at John Wayne Airport in Santa Ana late Tuesday night in a workshop. Jet bridges are used to connect terminals to aircraft doors.
Two employees were working on the tyre at the time of the explosion, according to Ms Thompson. The the was about 4 feet (1.2 meters) in diameter.
The force of the explosion set off a fire alarm that summoned airfield rescue crews.
One worker was pronounced dead. The other did not seek treatment.
The warehouse is located near Gate Three at the airport, officials said. Authorities said flights and airport operations were not affected during the incident.
Ms Thompson said both employees worked for a company that maintains the Orange County airport's luggage handling system and jet bridges.
The luggage system and jet bridges feature moveable passenger-loading structures that connect terminals to airliner doors.
The state's workplace safety agency, known as Cal-OSHA, will investigate.
The employees names have not yet been released to the public.
Additional reporting by AP
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