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Man, 23, dies after horror fuel tank explosion at Heathrow Airport as police investigate

Georgie Buxton, 23, was one of two Virgin Atlantic technicians examining a fuel leak at Heathrow Airport when an explosion inside the aircraft fuel tank left him with a traumatic brain injury

[Aircraft technician Georgie Buxton was examining a fuel leak on a Boeing 787-900 at Heathrow Airport when it exploded]

Aircraft technician Georgie Buxton was examining a leak in the fuel tank on a Boeing 787-900 at Heathrow Airport when it exploded(Image: Jam Press/Rachel Buxton)

A family has paid tribute to their 'beautiful son' who tragically died after sustaining a severe brain injury following an explosion inside a plane fuel tank.

Aircraft technician Georgie Buxton was investigating a fuel leak on a Boeing 787-900 at Heathrow Airport when the explosion occurred. The 23-year-old underwent numerous surgeries to his head and neck but sadly passed away at St Mary's Hospital after spending 27 days in intensive care.

Georgie had been employed by Virgin Atlantic for two years and had previously held the same position with Ryanair. He was one of two Virgin Atlantic technicians investigating a fuel leak when the explosion took place on June 11.

[Georgie had been employed by Virgin Atlantic for two years and had previously held the same position with Ryanair]

Georgie had been employed by Virgin Atlantic for two years and had previously held the same position with Ryanair(Image: Jam Press)

His colleague, who was in another part of the fuel tank and escaped injury, managed to move Georgie from the tank onto the platform stairs they were using.

A forensic post-mortem examination conducted at the request of police found that Georgie had sustained a traumatic brain injury a craniofacial trauma.

A criminal investigation was initiated by the Metropolitan Police, which is collaborating with the Health and Safety Executive. An inquest into Georgie's death was opened and suspended pending any criminal charges being brought.

[He was one of two Virgin Atlantic technicians investigating a fuel leak when the explosion took place on June 11]

He was one of two Virgin Atlantic technicians investigating a fuel leak when the explosion took place on June 11(Image: Jam Press)

Now his family have shared their heartbreak in a fundraising appeal, as reported by NeedToKnow. The page set up by Rachel Buxton said: "In Memory of Georgie.

"Our beautiful son and Lucia's partner, Georgie, was just 23 when he was involved in a tragic accident at work. Georgie was a kind, intelligent and caring young man who had so much to look forward to.

"He had recently started his career as an Aircraft Technician with Virgin Atlantic, a role he was incredibly proud of and which reflected his passion for engineering and aviation.

"He had quickly become a much-loved and highly respected member of his team. Following the accident, the London Air Ambulance team gave Georgie the chance to survive.

"Without their rapid response and specialist care, he would not have made it to hospital. Georgie spent the next 27 days in the Intensive Care Unit at St Mary's Hospital.

"During that time, the doctors, nurses and ICU team did everything possible to save him. Their skill, dedication and compassion were extraordinary, and they supported not only Georgie but our whole family through the most devastating time of our lives.

"Sadly, despite everything they did, Georgie's injuries were too severe and he passed away after 27 days in ICU."

The family are collecting donations in Georgie's honour for London Air Ambulance and St Mary's Hospital ICU. You can donate here. They said: "London Air Ambulance is a charity and relies on funding to continue its life-saving work.

"St Mary's Hospital is part of our incredible NHS, and the ICU team are fundraising to improve facilities and better support families during the most difficult times.

"Georgie filled our lives with love, laughter and immense pride. His life was far too short, but the impact he made on everyone who knew him will last forever.

"If you are able to donate, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. If you can't, sharing Georgie's story would mean just as much. For Georgie, and for the teams who never stopped fighting for him."

At the time of writing, the fundraising page had raised 16,109 towards its 24,000 target.

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