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:
