London's Luton Airport was thrown into chaos as a "significant fire" led to the partial collapse of a parking structure, resulting in the suspension of all flights until Wednesday afternoon. While there were no major casualties reported, one member of the public and six firefighters suffered from smoke inhalation.
Prioritizing passenger and staff safety, Luton Airport decided to suspend all flights until 12pm on Wednesday, October 11. Passengers were strongly advised not to travel to the airport due to restricted access.
The fire ignited around 9 pm in a newly constructed car park at the airport. The flames quickly engulfed most of the upper floor, with car alarms blaring and explosions as vehicles caught fire.
The local ambulance service reported that five individuals, including four firefighters and an airport employee, were taken to the hospital. Another person received on-site treatment.
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The Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service deployed its crew to tackle the blaze and prevent it from spreading to nearby structures and vehicles. However, one side of the structure was fully engulfed in flames, and the building suffered a significant structural collapse.
Local residents were advised to close windows and doors and stay clear of the affected area to avoid the potential hazards associated with the fire.
Luton Airport, situated about 40 kilometers (25 miles) north of central London, is a hub for budget carriers and serves as one of the six major airports in the British capital. In 2022, the airport handled approximately 13 million passengers, making it an essential part of London's air travel infrastructure.
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The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of safety and preparedness in handling emergencies at busy transportation hubs like airports.
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