A 23-year-old aircraft engineer has died after being crushed while working on a plane at Heathrow Airport. Georgie Buxton was conducting maintenance tests on a Boeing 787 when machinery is believed to have suddenly collapsed on him.
Buxton, who had been working as an Aircraft Technician at Virgin Atlantic for two years, was in intensive care for four weeks before life support was withdrawn earlier this month. A source described him as a "young and very loved member of the team."
The Dreamliner aircraft involved in the incident has been taken out of service. Virgin Atlantic stated that they are in discussions with the manufacturer and that the safety and wellbeing of their employees is their top priority. The airline confirmed the death, expressing condolences to Buxton's family, loved ones, friends, and colleagues. They are cooperating with relevant authorities and the aircraft manufacturer in an investigation.
Heathrow Airport also extended its sympathies to Buxton's family and friends, as well as his colleagues at Virgin Atlantic.
An inquest into the death is scheduled to open later this week at West London Coroner's Court. The cause of the incident remains under investigation.