Passengers at Heathrow Airport are facing delays following the explosion of a car in a tunnel. The incident, which took place in the early hours of the morning, closed the M4 southbound between J4 and J4A for hours.
Although the stretch of the motorway has now reopened, National Highways has warned of “severe delays” and is urging drivers to allow extra time for their journeys. A spokesperson for Heathrow Airport said: “An earlier vehicle fire affecting road access to Terminals 2 and 3 has now been resolved. All roads have now reopened but there continues to be some congestion around the airport. We apologise for the disruption caused this morning.”
Two fire engines were dispatched to the scene earlier this morning, and found that the vehicle was completely destroyed.
London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “We were called just before 3am today to reports of a car fire in a tunnel near Heathrow Airport. Firefighters attended and discovered a car fully alight. The fire was safely extinguished by firefighters and no one was reported to be injured. The vehicle involved was diesel-powered. The airport has since confirmed the tunnel has reopened.”
The London Fire Brigade previously reported an electric vehicle was on fire but later determined it was a diesel vehicle.
Several flights have also been cancelled today, in another blow for travellers.
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