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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
National
Matt Watts

Aircraft engineer crushed to death in horror incident at Heathrow

A Virgin Atlantic engineer died after he was crushed while carrying out maintenance work on a plane at Heathrow Airport.

Georgie Buxton, 23, was in intensive care for four weeks after the horrifying accident in a hangar at Britain’s busiest airport.

It is believed to have been working on a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner when he was seriously injured.

He died after life support machines were switched off earlier this month, the Sun reported.

The Metropolitan Police and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) confirmed they have begun a joint investigation into the incident at the West London airport.

Virgin Atlantic said it was "heartbroken" to confirm the death of a "much-loved" member of its engineering team and said it was working with relevant authorities to establish what happened.

An inquest is due to be opened into his death.

Two years ago, Mr Buxton took to LinkedIn to tell of his decision to leave Ryanair for his new job as an aircraft technician at Virgin Atlantic.

He described himself as a "highly dedicated worker" who had an "immense passion for aircraft engineering" in his employment profile.

He had previously worked for Ryanair in Stansted.

A Virgin Atlantic spokesperson said: “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.

“The safety and wellbeing of our people is always our top priority, and we are devastated by this incident.”

A representative for Heathrow Airport said: “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.”

The HSE said: “We are investigating this incident jointly with The Metropolitan Police.”

Boeing, which manufactures the Dreamliner, has declined to comment.

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