VIRGIN ATLANTIC ENGINEER DIES AFTER INJURY AT HEATHROW
Georgie Buxton, an engineer for Virgin Atlantic, has died following a serious injury sustained while carrying out maintenance work on a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner at Heathrow Airport. One report stated he was 23 years old. Buxton was injured during the incident and died later in hospital. The Metropolitan Police and the Health and Safety Executive have begun a joint investigation into the circumstances. An inquest is scheduled to open at West London Coroner's Court.
Buxton had worked for Virgin Atlantic for two years, having previously been employed at Ryanair at Stansted Airport. According to one account, he spent four weeks in intensive care following the incident before life support machines were turned off. The aircraft has been taken out of service during the investigation. Virgin Atlantic described Buxton as a "much-loved" member of its engineering team and said it was providing support to his family and colleagues.
The airline stated that the safety and wellbeing of its workforce is its top priority and confirmed it is working with relevant authorities and the aircraft manufacturer to establish the facts. A Heathrow Airport representative extended condolences to Buxton's family and Virgin Atlantic staff. Boeing, the manufacturer of the Dreamliner, declined to comment on the incident. The HSE confirmed it is investigating jointly with the Metropolitan Police.