, the 777 had been involved in 31 aviation accidents and incidents, including a total of eight hull losses (five in-flight and three on-ground incidents), resulting in fatalities along with three hijackings. The first fatality involving the twinjet occurred in a fire while an aircraft was being refueled at Denver International Airport in the United States on September 5, 2001, during which a ground worker sustained fatal burns. The aircraft, operated by British Airways, suffered fire damage to the lower wing panels and engine housing; it was later repaired and returned to service.