Heathrow Airport has been forced to shut down for the entire day on Friday due to a massive fire at a nearby electrical substation that supplies power to the airport. A statement from Heathrow cited a “significant power outage” caused by the fire as the reason for the closure. The airport will remain closed until 23:59 on 21 March to ensure the safety of passengers and staff.
Passengers have been advised against traveling to the airport and are instructed to contact their respective airlines for further information. Heathrow issued an apology for the inconvenience caused by the unexpected closure. The situation remains uncertain as fire crews work to address the incident and restore power to the affected areas.
The fire at the substation in Hayes, located in west London, has not only impacted Heathrow Airport but also led to the evacuation of around 150 individuals from nearby properties. The London Fire Brigade has deployed ten fire engines and approximately 70 firefighters to combat the blaze. A 200-meter cordon has been established as a precautionary measure, with local residents urged to keep doors and windows shut due to the heavy smoke in the area.
Nearly 16,300 households have been affected by the power outage triggered by the fire, with many areas in Hayes, Hounslow, and surrounding regions experiencing disruptions. Emergency services are actively responding to the incident, which began late on Thursday night, and are yet to determine the cause of the fire. The London Fire Brigade has described this as a significant incident, with crews expected to work through the night to bring the fire under control and minimize disruptions in the morning
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