The Heathrow Airport in London will remain closed until tomorrow at 23:59 hours (March 22) due to a power outage caused by a massive fire at an electrical substation in Hayes on Friday. According to reports, no flights will land or take off from the airport, as terminal two is facing a power crisis.
In a post on X, Heathrow Airport said that it is facing a power outage due to a fire at the substation from which electricity is supplied to the airport. "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 further stated in a post.
At least 16,000 homes are without power in Hayes, Hounslow and surrounding areas due to fire. “We’re aware of a widespread power cut affecting many of our customers around the Hayes, Hounslow and surrounding areas. “We’re estimating for power to be restored by 3 am,” Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks said in a post on X.
Videos show large flames and clouds of thick black smoke surrounding skies in the area, due to which London Fire Bridge request citizens to shut their home doors and windows to avoid pollution and not step out until an emergency.
London Fire Brigade (LFB) said 10 engines and around 70 firefighters are at the scene on Nestles Avenue. Around 150 people have been evacuated and a 200-metre cordon has been put in place. The fire department said that received more than 190 calls from locals in the area related to fire at Hayes electrical substation.
Firefighters from Heathrow, Hayes, Hillingdon, Southall, and other stations are all involved in the response. However, no injuries or casualties were reported at the site until now. Once the cooling operation is completed, the cause of the blaze will be investigated.