Inquest into Heathrow fuel tank explosion death
A 23-year-old Virgin Atlantic engineer died from a traumatic brain injury following an incident on a Boeing 787 900.
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An inquest has heard that a Virgin Atlantic engineer died from a traumatic brain injury following an explosion inside a plane fuel tank at Heathrow Airport. Georgie Buxton, 23, died at St Mary's Hospital on 7 July after sustaining injuries during the incident on 11 June, as reported by the BBC.
Investigation into the explosion
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Metropolitan Police state the incident on St Paul's Road is not currently believed to be suspicious.
The incident occurred at approximately 08:45 BST while Buxton and another technician were inspecting a fuel leak on a Boeing 787 900. Both technicians were wearing breathing apparatus to protect against residual fuel fumes while working inside the tank, according to a spokesman for Aviation Policing. The explosion was described as a non-combustion event that caused Buxton to suffer catastrophic injury to his head and torso, leading to a loss of consciousness.
Legal and criminal proceedings
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Senior coroner Lydia Brown opened and suspended the inquest at West London Coroners' Court on Thursday. The suspension allows for a criminal investigation being conducted by the Metropolitan Police and the Health and Safety Executive. The coroner stated she had no details regarding any potential charges. A forensic post-mortem examination requested by police confirmed the cause of death was craniofacial trauma.
Words just can't explain how difficult this must be for you, please take our sincere condolences this end.
Lydia Brown, Senior Coroner
Virgin Atlantic issued a statement on Tuesday saying the company is heartbroken following the death of a member of their engineering team. Buxton had been with the airline for two years and previously worked for Ryanair. The Aviation Policing spokesman noted the criminal investigation is in a very early stage and involves complex matters.
The coroner's office has indicated that the family will be involved in any future inquiries.
Questions this report answers
+Who was Georgie Buxton?
Georgie Buxton was a 23-year-old Virgin Atlantic engineer who died from a traumatic brain injury after an explosion in a plane fuel tank at Heathrow Airport. He had worked for Virgin Atlantic for two years and previously at Ryanair.
+What happened during the fuel tank inspection?
The explosion occurred at about 08:45 BST on 11 June while Buxton and another technician were inspecting a fuel leak on a Boeing 787 900. Both were wearing breathing apparatus, but the blast caused catastrophic head and torso injuries to Buxton.
+What investigations are underway now?
The Metropolitan Police and the Health and Safety Executive have launched a criminal investigation into the explosion. The coroner has suspended the inquest until this investigation concludes, as potential charges may follow.
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