A worker was killed after a jet bridge tire exploded Tuesday at John Wayne Airport in Santa Ana, authorities said.

Two contractors were working around 11:20 p.m. in an airline workshop near Terminal 3 when the tire ruptured and exploded, according to a John Wayne Airport spokesperson.

The tire of the jet bridge, which connects the plane to the terminal, was 4-feet-tall, officials said.

The force of the tire explosion triggered a fire alarm and sprinklers inside the workshop.

First responders found the two contractors injured from the explosion. One died at the scene and the other refused medical attention, officials said.

No flights were impacted by the incident.


The incident remained under investigation by the Orange County Sheriff's Department and airport representatives.