Operations at Luton Airport were abruptly ground to a halt following a massive inferno that decimated a terminal car park. All airborne activity has been subsequently ceased until 15:00 BST to tackle the severe fire that instigated an alarming structural breakdown in the multi-storey facility.
There were up to 1,200 vehicles potentially inside the multi-storey car park at the time of the fire, leading to extensive damage, according to fire service representatives. In response to the catastrophic event, admissions to hospital were necessary for four firefighters and one airport personnel, all who showed symptoms associated with smoke inhalation. An additional patient required immediate medical treatment at the location.
Stated by the airport authorities, the decisive course of action to suspend flights was influenced by the prioritization of emergency service support and the safety of passengers and staff.
The fire ignited at Terminal Car Park 2 at Luton airport, casting immense flames visible from the multi-storey car park’s upper floor. The incident, which began just before 21:00 on Tuesday, was captured in daunting footage shared online that showcased the monumental flames and thick blankets of smoke enveloping the building.
As a result, Bedfordshire Police have urged the public to abstain from traveling to the affected region, causing distress for hundreds stranded in Luton. Many left stranded found themselves with no possible means of returning home due to their vehicles being stationed in the car park during the fire.
Amid the chaos, many passengers scrambled to reach Luton Airport’s train station in a desperate attempt to secure alternative means of travel. With local hotels fully booked, some passengers accused airlines of abandoning them in the crisis without sufficient support.
London Luton Airport, the UK’s fifth largest airport after Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, and Stansted, catered to more than 13 million passengers in 2022.
The aftermath of the blaze saw the ambulance service, despite easing from its critical incident status, continuing to offer on-site support to fire and rescue colleagues. Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed the dispatch of 15 fire engines to the scene.
Earlier reports revealed the effects of smoke inhalation on a member of the public and six firefighters. Ear-shattering explosions and vehicle alarm activations punctuated the terrifying evening, with the rapid onset of the blaze leaving many in disbelief.
As passengers disembarked flights in the midst of the chaos, they faced confusion and lack of proper explanations. Following the immediate evacuation, it took two hours for them to learn about the scale of the crisis unfolding at the airport.
Passenger accounts revealed fear and uncertainty, especially among those traveling alone with no immediate support available.
Various passengers who were diverted to other airports had recounted their experiences, expressing their anxiety and uncertainty in the face of this bleak situation. Attendees of a recent flight to London Luton Airport were rudely welcomed by the sight of flames engulfing vehicles on the top floor of the car park.
The fire service has since taken control of the situation, aiming to protect nearby buildings, vehicles, aircraft, and the Luton DART shuttle service while fighting the blaze. Their continued effort will be crucial in restoring travel services to the public at the earliest opportunity.
In a statement, the airport made clear that the response to the calamity has involved curtailing all flights as emergency services grapple with the car fire that rapidly spread through Terminal Car Park 2. The airport has requested public restraint from visiting the site during the ongoing crisis. Commendably, extra staff have been deployed to assist passengers while advising them to stay updated via their respective airlines for flight information.
While the outcome of this unfortunate incident is yet to materialize, the airport’s resilience in the face of adversity remains a testament to their commitment to safety and service.
