Disruption at Heathrow Airport: Full Day Closure Due to Major Power Outage

Heathrow Airport will be closed all day on Friday due to a major fire at an electrical substation nearby. This fire has caused a significant power outage at the airport, leading to the temporary shutdown. The airport announced that it will remain closed until 11:59 PM on March 21. Passengers are advised to avoid the airport and check with their airlines for updates.

The fire, which broke out late Thursday night, has resulted in power loss for over 16,300 homes in the surrounding areas. Many residents had to evacuate their homes, and up to 150 people were affected. The London Fire Brigade deployed ten fire engines and around 70 firefighters to handle the situation. They’ve received nearly 200 calls about the fire, and assessment of its cause is ongoing.

As of now, there is no clear timeline for restoring power. An LFB assistant commissioner, Pat Goulborne, stated, “This is a significant incident, and our teams are working in challenging conditions to control the flames.” A 200-meter safety cordon has been established, and people living nearby are urged to keep their windows and doors closed due to heavy smoke.

Power company Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks acknowledged the outages on X and confirmed they are working to restore electricity to customers affected in Hayes, Hounslow, and the surrounding areas.

This incident highlights the vulnerability of vital infrastructure. Experts believe that as the climate changes, such occurrences might become more frequent. Keeping in mind recent statistics, the UK has seen a rise in fire-related incidents linked to electrical failures over the last few years. In 2022 alone, fire services across England responded to more than 30,000 electrical fires.

Keeping infrastructure up-to-date is crucial for safety and reliability. It’s also a reminder of how interconnected our services are. An event in one area can cause ripple effects, impacting thousands of people and essential services.



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