Luton airport, a bustling hub for travelers, plunged into chaos as a colossal car park fire erupted in its multi-story car park, resulting in its structural collapse and the suspension of all flights.
The Car Park Fire
Footage circulating on social media captured the intense flames and thick smoke billowing from the top floor of the car park, accompanied by alarming sounds of explosions and car alarms. Up to 1,500 cars are estimated to be in the parking lot. Authorities declared a major incident at 9.38 pm on Tuesday as one-half of the car park became fully engulfed in the fire. The blaze was triggered by a vehicle fire that spread in Terminal Car Park 2, the airport said.
BREAKING
All flights have been suspended at Luton Airport London as massive fire has erupted in the terminal car parking. pic.twitter.com/HmmdbJpdf5— Truthseeker (@Xx17965797N) October 11, 2023
Emergency Response
In an intense effort to control the enormous blaze, the Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service deployed 15 fire engines, three specialist aerial appliances, and over 100 firefighters. The severity of the fire led to the closure of the airport, impacting thousands of passengers.
Structural Collapse
As the fire continued to rage, a significant structural collapse occurred, prompting the suspension of all flights until 3 p.m. on Wednesday, October 11. Luton Airport advised passengers not to travel to the airport due to restricted access.
Fire Impact
EasyJet, a major airline operating from Luton, stated that it was currently unable to operate as planned due to the airport closure. Customers with canceled flights were offered the choice to rebook or receive a refund.
While the East of England ambulance service reported smoke inhalation affecting one member of the public and six firefighters, the airport emphasized prioritizing the safety of passengers and staff. Speculations are being made about whether this was an EV or a diesel car that started the fire. A video on social media claims that a Range Rover started the fire.
The start of the fire at Luton airport. Started from a Range Rover yesterday evening. #lutonairport pic.twitter.com/DSPWZFYo2D
— lord cxsh (@LordCxsh) October 11, 2023
Ongoing Crisis
Emergency services continued to respond to the fire, which caused the partial structural collapse in Terminal Car Park 2. The situation remains dynamic, with access to the airport severely restricted. As the Luton airport grapples with this unprecedented crisis, travelers and authorities are working together to navigate the challenges posed by this significant incident.
