Heathrow Airport Closed Due to Major Fire Causing Power Outage

Lead: In a dramatic development, Heathrow Airport in London has temporarily closed until midnight today following a fire at a nearby electrical substation that caused a “significant power outage.” The incident has left over 16,000 homes without electricity. Over 150 people have been evacuated as firefighters work to contain the blaze, which has prompted concerns over the safety of local residents. With disruptions expected to last for several days, passengers are advised to stay in touch with their airlines for further guidance.

Details of the Fire Incident

– The fire erupted at the North Hyde substation located in Hayes, in London’s Hillingdon borough.
– The London Fire Brigade deployed ten fire engines and roughly 70 firefighters to the scene, establishing a safety cordon of 200 meters.
– Local residents have been instructed to stay indoors and keep their doors and windows closed due to smoke from the fire.

Impact on Travel and Local Community

– Heathrow Airport has advised passengers not to travel to the airport and to contact their airlines for the latest updates. A tweet from the airport stated:
> “Due to a fire at an electrical substation supplying the airport, Heathrow is experiencing a significant power outage. To maintain the safety of our passengers and colleagues, Heathrow will be closed until 11.59 pm today.”
– Hundreds of flights have already been diverted, and significant disruption is anticipated in the coming days.
– Reports and visuals shared on social media show a substantial fire and thick smoke rising from the substation.

Response from Authorities

– Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks confirmed they are responding to the situation and have been coordinating with emergency services.
– A spokesperson emphasized the importance of safety for residents and emergency crews:
> “The site has been evacuated, and the safety of local residents, our colleagues, and the emergency teams is our highest priority.”

Reactions from Travelers

– Social media users expressed frustration, calling the situation “an embarrassment” for a major airport. Concerns were raised about the lack of backup power systems, while some took a lighter approach, comparing the situation to scenes from the ‘Die Hard’ film series.

Conclusion: The closure of Heathrow Airport is a significant incident affecting thousands of travelers and residents in London amidst ongoing emergency services efforts and a major power disturbance. As authorities work to restore power and manage the fire, passengers are urged to stay informed about their flight statuses.

Keywords: Heathrow Airport, fire, power outage, London substation, travel disruption, emergency services, Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks.

Hashtags: #Heathrow #LondonFire #PowerOutage #TravelDisruption #EmergencyServices



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