Luton Airport, the UK’s fifth-largest airport, faced a major disruption as a massive fire tore through Terminal Car Park 2 on Tuesday evening. All flights at Luton Airport have been suspended until 15:00 BST as emergency services grapple to control the blaze, which led to a “significant structural collapse” of the multi-storey car park.
The fire, believed to have started in a vehicle at approximately 20:45 BST, quickly escalated, resulting in a series of car explosions witnessed by onlookers. Four firefighters and an airport staff member were treated for smoke inhalation effects, but fortunately, no serious injuries have been reported.
Witnesses described a harrowing scene as cars exploded “every few minutes,” with flames and smoke billowing out from the car park. The fire’s rapid development led to its spread, engulfing the open-sided car park horizontally before ascending through the building.
Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, which deployed 15 engines to the scene, stated that there was no intelligence to suggest anything other than an accidental fire. Andy Hopkinson, Bedfordshire’s Chief Fire Officer, indicated that the fire likely started in a “diesel-powered” vehicle and subsequently spread throughout the structure. Notably, the car park lacked sprinklers, a feature that might have curbed the fire’s progression.
As efforts to control the fire continue, a ramp will be installed on the unaffected part of the car park to facilitate the removal of undamaged vehicles. However, hundreds of cars, possibly up to 1,900, are feared to be damaged or destroyed.
Passengers faced chaos, with flights halted, public transport to the airport cancelled, and roads in the immediate vicinity closed. Stranded travellers were left disoriented and frustrated, trying to navigate alternative routes and accommodations.
Luton Airport authorities emphasised that their priority was the safety of passengers and staff, and they hoped to restore airport operations as soon as possible. Airlines like EasyJet and Wizz Air, both based at Luton, extended apologies for the inconvenience and committed to assisting affected passengers with accommodations and meals where necessary.
The investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing, with firefighters staying on-site to monitor the situation. Luton Airport officials have urged passengers to contact their respective airlines for the latest flight information, acknowledging the challenges ahead in returning the airport to normalcy.
Kiki Garba
Follow us on:
Elon Musk’s social media platform, X, has named Rachel de Oliveira Conceicao as its legal…
In a surprising turn during the Edo state governorship election, Olumide Akpata, the Labour Party…
The Governor of Ondo state, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has vowed to transform the state into…
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced an extension of voting time in areas…
Usher paid tribute to the male role models in his life at the 2024 Black…
The EFCC has arrested three suspects for alleged vote buying during the ongoing Edo governorship…
View Comments
IMPOUNDED VEHICLES FOR SALE IN A CHEAP AND AFFORDABLE AUCTION PRICE INTERESTED BUYER SHOULD KINDLY CONTACT OFFICER MrsEze
NIGERIA CUSTOM
{2023 /2024 }
REPLACEMENT//RECRUI
TMENT FORM IS OUT
BAGS OF RICE 18,500
VEGETABLE OIL 25.
LITTER 10,000
TOKUMBO VEHICLE FOR
SALE AT AUCTION PRICE
INTERESTED BUYER
SHOULD CONTACT
OFFICER ODISI ON
[O91 5608 9111]
CARS FEATURES AND
PRICE BELOW
GOLF 2,3,4,5 #250,000
TOYOTA CAMRY BIG
DADDY #550,000
TOYOTA CAMRY
TINYLIGH= #350,000
TOYOTA CAMRY
MUSCLE= #450,000
TOYOTA CAMRY
PENCILLIGHT=#400,000
TOYOTA COROLLA
le=#550,000
TOYOTA COROLLA
S=#850,000
TOYOTA
VENZA=#950,00 1.8m
TOYOTA Hilux 1.5 million
TOYOTA AVALON
#800,000
TOYOTA AVENSIS
#700,000
TOYOTA RAV4 1.2m
TOYOTA SIENNA
#550,000
TOYOTA
4runner#850,000
TOYOTA TUNDRA 1.9m
TOYOTA PICNIC
#550,000
TOYOTA Highlander
#850,000
TOYOTA PADRO JEEP
1.6m
TOYOTA LAND
CRUISER=1.5m
TOYOTA YARIS #459,000
TOYOTA MATRIX
#650,000
TOYOTA HAICE BUS
#750,000
ACCURA ZDX 1.6m
ACCURA MDX 1.9m
HONDA PILOT #950,00
HONDA BABY BOY
#550,000
HONDA END OF
DISCUSSION
HONDA ACCORD
#450,000
Honda CR-V #850,000
INFINITY fx450 #750,000
to 1.4m
NISSAN MURANO
#650,00
LEXUS RX 350 #950,000
LEXUS RS 330 # 850,000
LEXUS RS 300 # 750,000
LEXUS RX 470 1.5m
All NEGOTIABLE WE
RENDER GOOD SERVICE
TO CUSTOMER ....{ E.T .C}
LOCATION AT OGUN
STATE IDIROKO BORDER WE
HAVE TWO OPTION
ELDER WE DELIVERY OR
YOU COME OVER IF WE
HAVE TO COME OVER WE
NEED THIS FROM YOU
{1} NATIONAL ID CARD
{2} BORDER PERMIT
{3} INSPECTION DOCUMENTS
{4} 2PASSPORT
THANKS FOR YOUR
PATRONAGE WE
DELIVER TO 36 STATE IN
NIGERIA AND ALSO
COME DOWN WITH THE
FULL PAYMENT CALL
FOR MORE
INFORMATION
{O91 5608 9111 }