- Georgie Buxton, a 23-year-old engineer, tragically died after heavy machinery collapsed on him while he was working on a Boeing 787 Dreamliner at Heathrow Airport on the morning of 11 June.
- After the incident, Buxton was hospitalized and remained in intensive care for four weeks before life support was turned off on 7 July.
- Virgin Atlantic confirmed that the aircraft involved has been removed from service while investigations are ongoing.
- Buxton had an immense passion for aircraft engineering and previously worked for Ryanair before joining Virgin Atlantic.
- An inquest is due to be opened into his death, and the HSE is investigating the incident jointly with the Metropolitan Police.
Georgie Buxton, a 23-year-old engineer for Virgin Atlantic, tragically died after being crushed by heavy machinery while working on a Boeing 787 Dreamliner at Heathrow Airport. The incident occurred on June 11, and he succumbed to his injuries on July 7 after nearly a month in intensive care.1234
According to reports, the machinery Buxton was operating suddenly collapsed on him, leading to serious injuries that required life support. A Virgin spokesperson expressed their heartbreak, stating, “We are heartbroken to confirm that a much-loved member of our engineering team has passed away.” The airline confirmed that the aircraft involved has been grounded pending an investigation into the incident.56
The Metropolitan Police and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) are jointly investigating the circumstances surrounding Buxton's death. A police spokesperson noted that emergency services attended the scene, and Buxton was taken to the hospital with serious injuries. An inquest into his death is expected to be opened soon.89
Buxton had a passion for aircraft engineering, having previously worked for Ryanair before joining Virgin Atlantic. The airline is conducting its own safety investigation to determine the root cause of the tragic accident, with Heathrow Airport expressing condolences, stating, “We were very sorry to hear of this tragic accident.”
“Georgie Buxton, 23, had been in intensive care for nearly a month following the accident before life support was switched off. Virgin Atlantic expressed deep sorrow over the loss, stating, 'Our thoughts are firmly with Georgie's family, loved ones, friends and colleagues at this incredibly sad and challenging time.'”
