Passengers jetting off from Heathrow Airport today face delays after an electric car reportedly caught fire, causing chaos.
An electric car ignited within one of the Heathrow tunnels, which serves Terminals 1, 2, and 3, prompting an emergency response early this morning. Consequently, the M4 southbound lanes were shut down between junctions 4 and 4a due to the incident.
A representative from Heathrow Airport issued a warning: “Due to an earlier vehicle fire, road access to Terminals 2 and 3 is partially restricted. Passengers are advised to leave more time travelling to the airport and use public transport where possible.”
They added: “Latest updates can be found on Heathrow.com and our social media channels. We apologise for the disruption caused.”
Two fire engines were dispatched to the scene, but the vehicle was completely destroyed.
As a result, National Highways has shut the M4 southbound between Junctions 4 and 4A, with traffic being diverted onto local routes.
Drivers heading to Heathrow Airport are being advised to use either Junction 3 of the M4 or Junction 14 of the M25.
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “We were called just before 3am to an electric vehicle fire inside the east ramp.
“We sent two fire engines to the scene but once the fire was extinguished the car was completely destroyed.
“The fire was under control by 3.45am. London Ambulance were called to the scene but there are no reports of any injuries. We left the scene at 4.30am.”
People have reported long tailbacks on the roads in and around Heathrow, Europe’s busiest airport.
Some who sat on planes also claimed to be waiting to take off.
Some local bus companies were also forced to cut their services short not making it all the way to the airport.
Carousel Buses, High Wycombe’s local bus company, said on X: “Due to fire Heathrow airport tunnel is being closed. Our service 102 to Heathrow Central bus station will be terminating at Stockley Park road bus stop. Sorry for any inconvenience caused.”
