A YOUNG aircraft engineer died of a traumatic brain injury after an explosion as he worked inside a plane fuel tank, an inquest heard.
Georgie Buxton, 23, suffered catastrophic injuries after being crushed in the horrifying accident while he was working on a Virgin Atlantic Boeing 787-900.
Georgie was working on a Virgin Atlantic Boeing 787-900 at Heathrow Airport when the disaster struck Credit: Alamy
Georgie tragically died after suffering a traumatic brain injury Credit: Getty
He underwent several operations after the blast but tragically died in hospital almost a month later.
Now an inquest has heard cops have launched a criminal investigation into the fatal incident alongside the Health and Safety Executive.
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Senior coroner Lydia Brown opened and immediately suspended the inquest at West London Coroners’ Court on Thursday.
The hearing was told Mr Buxton was working with another Virgin Atlantic aircraft technician on June 11 at around 8.45am.
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The pair had been examining a fuel leak on the aircraft.
Both engineers were wearing breathing apparatus to protect them from residual fuel fumes while inside the tank.
Three colleagues were supporting the operation from outside.
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.”
The court heard there was then “a non-combustion explosion” while Mr Buxton was inside the fuel tank.
The spokesman said: “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, escaped unhurt.
The technician managed to move Mr Buxton out of the tank and 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 the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service all rushed to the scene.
Mr Buxton was taken to hospital, where he underwent several operations to his head and neck – he died on July 7.
A forensic post mortem examination found he had suffered a traumatic brain injury caused by craniofacial trauma.
The court heard Mr Buxton worked as an aircraft technician for Virgin Atlantic at Heathrow and had previously held the same role with Ryanair.
Police confirmed a criminal investigation is under way.
The Aviation Policing spokesman described the probe as being at “a very early stage” and looking into “very serious and complex matters”.
Coroner Lydia Brown said she was suspending the inquest while detectives continued their investigation and until it becomes clear whether any criminal charges will be brought.
Addressing Mr Buxton’s family and partner, who attended the hearing remotely, she said: “My role as a coroner at this stage is quite a limited one.
“I will, of course, defer to the police investigation. I will simply suspend my inquiry pending the outcome of that.”
She added: “I am going to formally suspend this matter.
“Given I do not know the nature of any potential matters that the police are investigating, and quite rightly so at this stage, I am just going to suspend (the inquest) under my general discretionary powers to do so.”
In a personal message to Mr Buxton’s loved ones, the coroner said: “Can I take this opportunity to say how very sorry I was to learn of the circumstances of this young man’s death.
“Words just can’t explain how difficult this must be for you, please take our sincere condolences this end.
“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.”
