Heathrow airport in London, one of the busiest in the world, announced full closure during Friday due to a power outage as generated by a large fire nearby.
“Due to a fire in an electrical substation that supplies the airport, Heathrow is undergoing a significant power outage,” said the X statement.
“To maintain the safety of our passengers and colleagues, Heathrow will be closed until 11:59 pm on March 21,” he added.
A CNN contacted the airport for additional comments.
The London Fire Department said a transformer in an electric substation in Hayes in western London caught fire. Ten firefighters and about 70 agents were working to contain the fire.
About 150 people were withdrawn and the authorities set up a 200 meter cord as a precaution, assistant commissioner Pat Goulbourne said in the statement. Firefighters took 29 people from neighboring properties to a safe place.
The firefighters said they were called for the fire around 11:23 pm local time on Thursday (20), and the teams were at all night. The cause of the fire is not yet known, they said.
Shared videos on social networks showed great flames and smoke rising on Friday morning.
“As we advance in the morning, the interruption is expected to increase, and we ask people to avoid the area whenever possible,” said Gouldbourne.
Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks said she was aware of a “widespread cutting” in the suburbs of Hayes, Hounslow and neighboring areas near the airport. According to the company’s website, the unchecked fall was affecting more than 16,000 homes.
Passengers are advised not to travel to and should contact your airline for more information, the airport told a statement.
Videos shared on social networks have shown Heathrow airport largely in the dark amid the power output.
