An aircraft technician was killed in a plane’s fuel tank when some heavy machinery collapsed on top of him while he was carrying out maintenance work at London’s Heathrow Airport, according to a report.
Georgie Buxton, 23, died earlier this month – just two years after starting his technician role at Virgin Atlantic, the Sun reported.
He was working on a Boeing 787 Dreamliner plane in one of the airport’s hangars when the machinery collapsed on him.
He was in intensive care for four weeks following the accident before life support was switched off earlier this month.
“It was not immediately clear what caused the death, and officials have grounded the jet until further notice on safety grounds,” a source told the newspaper.
“Heavy metal cannot fall from a jet machinery and the plane be allowed to continue flying.”
Buxton had an “immense passion for aircraft engineering” and previously worked for the low-cost carrier Ryanair at Stansted Airport in Essex, England, between September 2021 and June 2024 before joining Virgin Atlantic.
“I’m happy to share that I’m starting a new position as an Aircraft Technician at Virgin Atlantic,” he wrote on social media at the time.
“It’s been a pleasure working with all the engineers and mechanics whilst at Ryanair in Stansted and I’ve been able to develop and learn a lot. “Now it’s time to move on so I can develop and learn more on different airframes.”
“We are heartbroken to confirm that a much-loved member of our engineering team has passed away,” a Virgin spokesperson told the Sun.
“Our thoughts are firmly with Georgie’s family, loved ones, friends and colleagues at this incredibly sad and challenging time.
“The safety and wellbeing of our people is always our top priority, and we are devastated by this incident.
“We are working closely with relevant authorities and the aircraft manufacturer on the investigation to establish all facts.”
A Heathrow spokesperson said it was “sorry” to hear of Buxton’s death. An inquest will be opened and adjourned at West London’s Coroner’s Court later this week.
Virgin Atlantic has 17 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners in its fleet.
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