Heathrow Airport Fire: Counter-Terror Police Launch Investigation
Heathrow Suffers Widespread Disruption
A massive fire at an electricity substation in London has caused widespread disruption at Heathrow Airport, with hundreds of flights canceled or diverted, leaving thousands of passengers stranded.
Firefighters Battle Blaze
Firefighters were called to the "highly visible" blaze at the substation shortly after 2320 GMT on Thursday, and around 70 firefighters were sent to battle the fire, which was brought under control by around 0800 GMT.
Heathrow’s Operations Halted
Heathrow, one of the world’s busiest airports, was forced to shut down its operations due to the fire, which left 100,000 homes without power overnight. By morning, power had been restored to all but around 4,000 homes.
Passenger Disruption
Videos on social media showed shuttered shops and deserted corridors, lit only by emergency lighting, as passengers struggled to make alternative arrangements. "I had planned this journey three months ago… I’ve spent so much money on tickets and everything," said Muhammad Khalil, 28, who was booked on a flight to Pakistan to be reunited with his wife after five months.
Airport’s Resilience Questioned
UK Energy Secretary Ed Miliband promised that the government would do all it could to restore power to Heathrow quickly, as questions were raised about the airport’s "resilience." "But it makes Heathrow look quite vulnerable and therefore we’ve got to learn lessons, as I say, about not just Heathrow but how we protect our major infrastructure," he said.
Flights Diverted
Around 120 Heathrow-bound planes were in the air when the closure was announced, according to Flightradar24. Airport authorities said they "expect significant disruption" over the coming days. The UK’s second busiest airport, Gatwick, said it would accept some flights from Heathrow, while others were diverted to European airports including Shannon in southwestern Ireland, Frankfurt, and Paris Charles de Gaulle.
Investigation Underway
London’s Metropolitan Police said the force’s Counter Terrorism Command was leading the investigation, given the "impact this incident has had on critical national infrastructure." "While there is currently no indication of foul play we retain an open mind at this time," a spokesman added.
Conclusion
The fire at the electricity substation highlights the importance of infrastructure resilience and the need for effective emergency response measures. As the investigation continues, questions remain about the cause of the fire and the extent of the damage. In the meantime, passengers and airlines are left to pick up the pieces and adjust to the new reality of flight disruptions and cancellations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What caused the fire at the electricity substation?
A: The cause of the fire is still unknown, but authorities are investigating all possibilities, including arson.
Q: How many flights were affected by the closure?
A: Around 1,350 flights were canceled or diverted due to the fire.
Q: How many passengers were affected?
A: Thousands of passengers were stranded due to the closure.
Q: How much will the fire cost the airport and airlines?
A: The estimated cost is over £50 million ($64.7 million).
Q: Will the airport be open again soon?
A: The airport is expected to reopen once power is fully restored and safety checks are complete.