Passengers jetting off from Heathrow Airport today could face delays after a car caught fire, causing chaos.
A diesel-powered vehicle ignited within one of the Heathrow tunnels, which serves Terminals 1, 2, and 3, prompting an emergency response early this morning. Consequently, the M4 southbound lanes were shut down between junctions 4 and 4a due to the incident.
A representative from Heathrow Airport issued a warning: “Due to an earlier vehicle fire, road access to Terminals 2 and 3 is partially restricted. Passengers are advised to leave more time travelling to the airport and use public transport where possible.”
They added: “Latest updates can be found on Heathrow.com and our social media channels. We apologise for the disruption caused.”
Two fire engines were dispatched to the scene, but the vehicle was completely destroyed.
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “We were called just before 3am to an electric vehicle fire inside the east ramp.
“We sent two fire engines to the scene but once the fire was extinguished the car was completely destroyed.
“The fire was under control by 3.45am. London Ambulance were called to the scene but there are no reports of any injuries. We left the scene at 4.30am.”
They later added: “Firefighters attended and extinguished the fire, which involved a diesel-powered vehicle. No one was hurt and the airport has now confirmed the tunnel has re-opened.”
People have reported long tailbacks on the roads in and around Heathrow, Europe’s busiest airport.
Some who sat on planes also claimed to be waiting to take off.
Some local bus companies were also forced to cut their services short not making it all the way to the airport.
Carousel Buses, High Wycombe’s local bus company, said on X: “Due to fire Heathrow airport tunnel is being closed. Our service 102 to Heathrow Central bus station will be terminating at Stockley Park road bus stop. Sorry for any inconvenience caused.”