An aircraft technician has died after heavy machinery collapsed on him while he was performing maintenance work inside a Boeing 787 Dreamliner at London’s Heathrow Airport. Georgie Buxton, 23, had been in intensive care for four weeks following the incident before his life support was switched off earlier this month.
Buxton, who had recently begun his role at Virgin Atlantic, was working on the aircraft in one of the airport's hangars when the accident occurred. A spokesperson for Virgin Atlantic confirmed the death, stating, "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."
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."
Heathrow Airport also expressed sorrow over Buxton's death. An inquest into the incident is expected to be opened and adjourned at West London’s Coroner’s Court.
Buxton had a significant passion for aircraft engineering and previously worked for Ryanair at Stansted Airport from September 2021 to June 2024. He had expressed enthusiasm for learning more about different aircraft types upon joining Virgin Atlantic, which operates 17 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners in its fleet. The aircraft involved in the incident has been grounded pending the outcome of the investigation.