A 23-year-old engineer is believed to have been crushed to death inside a Boeing 787’s fuel tank at Heathrow Airport.
Georgie Buxton was carrying out maintenance tests on a Virgin jet when some of its machinery suddenly collapsed onto him.
The carrier is now in talks with Boeing after the horrific incident.
It is not immediately clear what caused the collapse, while the aircraft in question has been grounded, a source familiar with the matter told The Sun.
“Georgie was a young and very loved member of the team. Everyone at Virgin is in shock,” the source said.
“Heavy metal cannot fall from a jet machinery and the plane be allowed to continue flying,” the source added.
Mr Buxton began working as an aircraft technician at Virgin Atlantic two years ago.
He excitedly posted on social media that he was looking forward to learning new and different airframes at Virgin Atlantic, after previously working at Ryanair.
Virgin Atlantic said Georgie Buxton was a ‘well-loved’ member of its team
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Mr Buxton, who lived near Heathrow in west London, was placed in intensive care for four weeks before life support machines were turned off earlier this month.
An inquest into his death will be opened later this week at West London Coroner’s Court.
Virgin Atlantic operates 17 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners.
The jets are now some of the oldest in the airline’s fleet, although they have an average age of just ten years.
London Heathrow gave its condolences after the death of the aircraft technician
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A Virgin Atlantic spokesman told the Sun: “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 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 said: “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.”
