Planes collide at Heathrow: Virgin 787 jet hits wing of British Airways Airbus on the tarmac in front of stunned passengers

A Virgin Atlantic 787 has collided with a British Airways Airbus A350 while pushing back from the terminal building at Heathrow airport causing minor damage to both aircraft. 

The Virgin jet was being guided by a tug when its winglets struck the tail of the neighbouring BA jet. 

Emergency services raced to the scene following the low-speed impact. 

A Virgin Atlantic spokesperson said: 'We are aware that the wingtip of one of our empty aircraft came into contact with another aircraft whilst being towed from the stand at London Heathrow Terminal 3. 

'The safety of our customers and crew is always our top priority. We can confirm no customers were on board the Virgin Atlantic aircraft during this time. 

'We’ve commenced a full and thorough investigation and our engineering teams are performing maintenance checks on the aircraft, which for now has been taken out of service.'

One Twitter user, Alex Whittles wrote: 'Just witnessed a plane crash at Heathrow!

'A tug pushing back a Virgin 787, crashed the wing into a BA A350.'

The British Airways jet had recently arrived in London from Accra, Ghana and was due to depart on the return journey at 12.40pm from Gate 25 at Terminal 3. 

It's departure has been pushed back to 6.30pm, according to Heathrow Airport's departure board.  

Luggage handlers were operating in the area of the British Airways jet when the impact occurred.  

At least five fire engines attended the scene in case there was any fuel leaks or possible fire. A host of other airport security officials secured the scene. 

Virgin confirmed it had launched an investigation in a statement earlier today. 

Investigators will want to know if there were sufficient personnel involved in the push back from the terminal building, and how the Virgin jet was able to strike the horizontal stabiliser of the British Airways jet.

It is understood Virgin Atlantic’s flying programme has not been disrupted by the incident.

The tow movement was provided by a ground handling company under contract by Virgin Atlantic.

MailOnline has approached British Airways and Heathrow Airport for comment.