A Virgin Atlantic engineer died of a traumatic brain injury after a “non-combustible explosion” in a plane at Heathrow, an inquest has heard.
Aircraft technician Georgie Buxton, 23, was injured as he worked on a Boeing 787 900.
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He suffered various surgeries to his head and neck after the June 11 incident and died on July 7 at St Mary’s Hospital.
Senior coroner Lydia Brown opened and suspended an inquest into his death at West London Coroners’ Court on Thursday.
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A criminal investigation into the incident has been launched by the Metropolitan Police, in cooperation with the Health and Safety Executive, but Mrs Brown said she had no details of any potential charges.
Mr Buxton was one of two technicians examining a fuel leak on a Virgin jet – which has now been ground – at 8.45am.
A spokesman for Aviation Policing told the court: “Both technicians wore breathing apparatus to protect them from any residual fuel fumes whilst inside the fuel tank.”
He said there was a “non-combustion explosion” while Mr Buxton was inside the fuel tank.
“Georgie Buxton took the impact of that explosion to his head and torso causing him to lose consciousness and suffer catastrophic injury,” he added.
A post-mortem examination found he had suffered a traumatic brain injury – a craniofacial trauma.
The coroner also gave words of condolences to the family of Mr Buxton – who was described as a “much-loved member of our engineering team” by Virgin Atlantic.
He began working at the airline two years ago, posting to social media that he was looking forward to learning new and different airframes after previously working at Ryanair.
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“Words just can’t explain how difficult this must be for you, please take our sincere condolences this end,” Mrs Brown said.
“We will do whatever we can to make nothing even worse for you and try and explain every process.
“You will be at the heart of any inquiry should that take place in the future.”
Heathrow Airport gave its condolences to Georgie’s family and friends, as well as all Virgin Atlantic colleagues.
A Virgin Atlantic spokesman previously told GB News: “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.”
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