Virgin engineer died after Heathrow fuel tank blast
An inquest heard Georgie Buxton suffered catastrophic injury after a non-combustion explosion inside a Boeing 787 900 fuel tank.
Trust 42Craft 55Hype 15How this was reported ▾
Only one named source (Aviation Policing spokesman) and no independent corroboration.
How well corroborated and evidenced the reporting is. Higher is better.
No affected parties or Virgin Atlantic response quoted in body.
Context, balance and separation of fact from comment. Higher is better.
Headline accurately reflects the body content.
How far presentation runs ahead of substance. Lower is better.
1 source assessed · methodology
An engineer has died following an explosion inside a Virgin Atlantic plane fuel tank at Heathrow Airport. Georgie Buxton, 23, was injured during the incident on 11 June and died at St Mary's Hospital on 7 July. An inquest into his death was opened and suspended on Thursday at West London Coroners' Court.
Senior coroner Lydia Brown suspended the inquest pending the outcome of a criminal investigation. The Metropolitan Police and the Health and Safety Executive are investigating the incident.
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Incident details
Buxton and another technician were examining a fuel leak on a Boeing 787 900 at approximately 08:45 BST on 11 June. Both technicians were wearing breathing apparatus to protect against residual fuel fumes while inside the fuel tank. A non-combustion explosion occurred while Buxton was inside the tank, causing catastrophic injury, the court heard.
Buxton suffered a traumatic brain injury, a craniofacial trauma, according to a forensic post-mortem examination carried out at the request of the police. He had undergone various surgeries to his head and neck following the incident.
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A spokesman for Aviation Policing described the criminal investigation as being at an early stage and looking into complex matters. The coroner stated she had no details of any potential charges.
A Virgin Atlantic spokesperson 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."
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