A massive inferno has engulfed the short-stay multi-storey car park at Luton Airport, resulting in the suspension of all flights. Eyewitnesses at the scene have described harrowing scenes as the fire rapidly spread, with the building seemingly exploding in flames.
The fire broke out on the top floor of the multi-storey car park earlier this evening, casting a daunting glow over the Bedfordshire airport. Videos captured by concerned citizens depict flames devouring the top level of the short-stay car park, with an astonishing 80% of the structure consumed by the blaze.
Molly Bullard, an eyewitness, conveyed her shock at the unfolding events, stating, "I exited the airport at approximately 9:15pm to see a fire had broken out on the top floor of the multi-storey car park. The fire very quickly spread through levels as cars exploded. There are extensive emergency services at the scene, and they continued to arrive as I left the area on foot."
Additional footage showed multiple vehicles ablaze on the top floor, releasing billows of smoke into the sky, as airport staff watched in horror.
Another eyewitness described "big, big smokestacks" and reported the cacophony of "fire alarms going crazy," along with the incessant sound of "constant bangs." Roads surrounding the airport have reportedly been closed, and passengers are being disembarked from their planes as a precautionary measure.
Airport officials have confirmed their awareness of the incident, which is believed to have originated from a car catching fire. A spokesperson for London Luton Airport issued a statement, saying, "Emergency services are currently responding to a car fire in Terminal Car Park 2, restricting access to the airport."
Local fire services are on the scene, with dramatic footage showing firefighters urgently rushing to combat the flames with powerful hose reels. Bedfordshire Fire & Rescue Service revealed that they received the call shortly before 9pm and reported that 80% of the car park's third floor was involved in the blaze. At the time of reporting, approximately ten fire engines were attending to the emergency.
According to sources from the emergency services, the source of the fire is from the Tesla charge point on the top floor of the car park, where an electric car was left on charge and overheated causing the lithium battery to explode.
All flights suspended:
All Luton flights are now suspended, airport officials have stated, as fire services deal with the blaze. A spokesperson said: "All flights are currently suspended as emergency services respond to a fire in Terminal Car Park 2. Access to the airport is currently restricted and we ask that people do not travel to the airport at this time."
Flights being diverted to nearby airports:
Inbound Luton flights have been diverted to other airports this evening as London Luton is currently dealing with a large-scale fire. Flight Radar shows one Ryanair flight from Cork looping around to land at nearby Stansted, while others are being redirected to Birmingham or East Midlands.
