Aircraft engineer died after Heathrow explosion, inquest hears

A Virgin Atlantic engineer died of a traumatic brain injury after an explosion as he worked inside a plane fuel tank, an inquest heard.

Georgie Buxton, 23, was injured during the incident at Heathrow Airport on 11 June and underwent various surgeries to his head and neck, but died in hospital on 7 July.

Senior coroner Lydia Brown opened and suspended an inquest into his death at West London Coroners' Court on Thursday, pending potential criminal charges.

A criminal investigation has been launched by the Metropolitan Police, which is working with the Health and Safety Executive.

Mr Buxton was one of two Virgin Atlantic technicians who were examining a fuel leak on a Boeing 787 900 on 11 June at about 8.45am.

An Aviation Policing spokesman told the court: "Both technicians wore breathing apparatus to protect them from any residual fuel fumes whilst inside the fuel tank.

"They were supported by three colleagues during that task."

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The spokesman said there was "a non-combustion explosion" while Mr Buxton was inside the fuel tank.

He added: "Georgie Buxton took the impact of that explosion to his head and torso, causing him to lose consciousness and suffer catastrophic injury."

His colleague, who was in another part of the fuel tank and avoided injury, moved Mr Buxton from the tank on to the platform stairs.

The spokesman added: "The bang caused by the explosion was heard by others. The alarm was raised and first aid commenced."

The London Ambulance Service, Aviation Policing officers, and Hems (Helicopter Emergency Medical Service) attended the scene.

Mr Buxton was transferred to hospital where he "succumbed to his injuries" after undergoing several surgeries.

A forensic post-mortem examination, carried out at the request of the police, found Mr Buxton had suffered a traumatic brain injury - a craniofacial trauma.

Mr Buxton was an aircraft technician for Virgin Atlantic based at Heathrow Airport, having previously worked in the same position for Ryanair, the court heard.

The Aviation Policing spokesman said the criminal investigation is at "a very early stage" and is looking into "very serious and complex matters".

The coroner said she had no details of any potential charges.

(c) Sky News 2026: Aircraft engineer died after Heathrow explosion, inquest hears