A Virgin Atlantic engineer died after sustaining severe injuries in an explosion inside an aircraft fuel tank at Heathrow Airport, an inquest heard. Georgie Buxton, 23, was working on a Boeing 787-900 on June 11 when a non-combustion explosion occurred while he was inside the fuel tank. The blast caused traumatic injuries to his head and torso, leading to loss of consciousness.

Buxton and a colleague, both wearing breathing apparatus to protect against residual fuel fumes, were investigating a reported fuel leak at the time of the incident. His colleague, who was positioned in another section of the tank, was unharmed and was able to assist in moving Buxton out of the tank. Emergency services, including the London Ambulance Service, Aviation Policing officers, and the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service, attended the scene promptly. Buxton was subsequently taken to the hospital where he underwent multiple surgeries but ultimately succumbed to his injuries on July 7.

A forensic post-mortem examination revealed that Buxton had suffered a traumatic brain injury. Buxton had worked as an aircraft technician for Virgin Atlantic at Heathrow and previously held the same role at Ryanair.

The Metropolitan Police have opened a criminal investigation into the incident, which is described by Aviation Policing as being at an early stage and involving serious and complex matters. The inquiry is being conducted in partnership with the Health and Safety Executive. Senior coroner Lydia Brown opened and then suspended the inquest at West London Coroner’s Court pending the outcome of any potential criminal charges.

No further details regarding possible charges have been released as the investigation continues.