A transformer within the Heathrow Airport substation in Hayes was alight. However the reason behind it is yet to be ascertained. London Fire Brigade (LFB) said around 150 people have been evacuated and a 200-metre cordon is in place.
The United Kingdom's Heathrow Airport will remain shut until midnight due to a large fire at a nearby electricity substation which led to power cut. The incident is potentially affecting the conveyance of hundreds of thousands of passengers who use one of Europe's biggest travel hubs.
Citing a spokesperson Sky News reported that the airport is "experiencing a significant power outage across the airport" and warned passengers to stay away until further notice.
"Due to a fire at an electrical substation supplying the airport, Heathrow is experiencing a significant power outage. To maintain the safety of our passengers and colleagues, Heathrow will be closed until 23h59 on 21 March. Passengers are advised not to travel to the airport and should contact their airline for further information. We apologise for the inconvenience", Heathrow Airport announced.
As per reports, a substation in Hayes which is about about 1.5 miles away from the airport caught fire. Thousands of homes within the ambit of the affected area are facing power outage. Citing Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks, PTI reported that power outage affected more than 16,300 homes.
Videos and images on social media show large flames and plumes of thick black smoke.
London Heathrow is one of the world's busiest airports and had a record 83.9 million passengers last year, with a plane landing or taking off around every 45 seconds.
London Fire Brigade (LFB) posted on X saying overnight 10 engines and around 70 firefighters were at the scene on Nestles Avenue. LFB said it had received more than 190 calls over the incident - with the first received at 11.23pm. So far, around 150 people have been evacuated and a 200-metre cordon is in place.
It has been told that a transformer within the substation was alight, However the reason behind it is yet to be ascertained.
“The fire has caused a power outage affecting a large number of homes and local businesses, and we are working closely with our partners to minimise disruption,” Assistant Commissioner Pat Goulbourne said.
Emergency services were called to the scene at 11.23 p.m. Thursday. The cause of the fire is yet to be determined.