A 23-year-old aircraft engineer has died after being crushed while working on a plane at Heathrow Airport. Georgie Buxton, the Heathrow engineer crushed during maintenance work, was carrying out tests on a Boeing 787 when machinery is believed to have suddenly collapsed on him.
The Dreamliner aircraft has since been taken out of service, with Virgin Atlantic saying it is now in talks with the manufacturer.
Who Was Georgie Buxton?
Buxton began working as an aircraft technician at Virgin Atlantic two years ago. Reflecting on his move to the airline at the time, he posted on LinkedIn: “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!!”
Buxton spent four weeks in intensive care before life support machines were switched off earlier this month. A source described him as a young and very loved member of the team at Virgin Atlantic, telling The Sun that everyone at the airline was in shock. The source added that it was not immediately clear what had caused his death, and that officials had grounded the jet on safety grounds, noting that heavy metal cannot fall from a jet engine and the plane be allowed to continue flying.
Buxton, who had been living near Heathrow in west London, is believed to have had family keeping vigil at his bedside following the incident. An inquest into his death will be opened and adjourned later this week at West London Coroner’s Court.
Virgin Atlantic’s Response
Virgin Atlantic owns 17 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, each capable of carrying up to 264 passengers. Despite an average fleet age of around 10 years, they now rank among the airline’s older aircraft.
Virgin Atlantic said in a statement: “We are heartbroken to confirm that a much-loved member of our engineering team has passed away. Our thoughts are firmly with Georgie’s family, loved ones, friends and colleagues at this incredibly sad and challenging time. We’re providing support to loved ones wherever we can and sharing our heartfelt condolences to everyone affected. Georgie’s family has asked for privacy at this very difficult time.”
The airline added: “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. Out of respect for those involved and while the investigation is ongoing, we are unable to provide any further information at this stage.”
Heathrow Airport also responded, saying: “We were very sorry to hear of this tragic accident. Our thoughts are with Georgie’s family and friends, as well as all of our colleagues in the wider Virgin Atlantic family who feel this loss.”
