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Heathrow Airport Shutdown: Massive Fire Causes Chaos
A major fire at a North Hyde electrical substation near Heathrow Airport plunged Europe's busiest airport into chaos on Friday. The resulting power outage led to a complete closure of Heathrow, affecting over 1,351 flights and leaving thousands of travelers stranded. Scenes of frustrated passengers with luggage piled high were reported at Paddington Station, a common rail link to the airport.
The Impact of the Fire
The fire, involving 25,000 liters of cooling oil, caused a significant hazard due to live high-voltage equipment. The London Fire Brigade (LFB) evacuated 29 people from nearby properties and established a 200-meter cordon. While no injuries were reported, 67,000 homes initially lost power, with 5,000 still without electricity as of late morning. The LFB confirmed that Terminals 2 and 4 remained without power. Airlines like Ryanair and Eurostar added extra services to help stranded passengers.
Reactions and Investigation
Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated he's receiving regular updates, while London Mayor Sadiq Khan warned of significant disruption in the coming days. The incident has sparked debate about the resilience of critical infrastructure. Energy Secretary Ed Miliband called for improved protection and resilience of major institutions, noting the fire seemed to affect backup generators as well. Experts described the fire as highly unusual, emphasizing the rarity of such events given safety protocols and regular equipment maintenance. Although speculation about potential causes exists, including theories of foul play, the Metropolitan Police are leading the investigation.
Looking Ahead
Heathrow Airport remained closed all day, with passengers urged to avoid traveling to the airport. The full extent of the disruption is still unfolding, but the incident underscores the vulnerabilities of even the most critical infrastructure and the need for robust contingency planning. Stay tuned for updates as the investigation progresses.
