Following the fire in the multi-storey car park at Luton Airport on Tuesday, October 10, 2023, confused and upset stranded passengers, some with small children, dragged luggage up and down the road to the airport, unsure of what to do.
Flights into the airport were diverted to other airports including Stansted, Bristol and Liverpool.
Chief fire officer Andrew Hopkinson of Beds Fire and Rescue said: “We believe it was a diesel car which started the fire, according to our early indicators. “No sprinkler system was used.
“I am immensely proud of my team here and this was by no means just a fire service effort but we are proud of all of the blue light services who have come together to tackle this situation.”
He also confirmed that four crew member suffered from inhalation injuries with three attending hospital and now safely discharged.”
A temporary entrance ramp to the car park is being created now so that drivers can safely enter and exit the car park.
Mother and daughter Rebecca Fancourt and Jane Knight, from Lincolnshire, were supposed to be travelling to Turkey on a flight at 12.30pm (today).
Despite checking online and calling Tui they are unsure as to what is happening and whether their holiday will still go ahead.
They said: “We have been told flights are still going ahead and have had to have been driven here from Lincolnshire because there is no certainty around parking.
“We have spent all night trying to figure out what to do and it has been impossible to get details. We are very frustrated by the situation.”
A returning holidaymaker, who did not want to be named, said: “We landed last night. Came through the terminal all fine and thought ‘brilliant – two hours drive and we’ll be home’. Then we saw all the flames and smoke and were ushered away.
“My car is stuck in Car Park 1. We had to stay at the Holiday Inn and now we are waiting for my son to come and pick us up. No idea if our car is okay or when we can get it.”
Another Albanian woman with a toddler said: “We were diverted to Liverpool last night. We were given a taxi ride to Luton where our car is parked. My husband is trying to get our car out. We don’t know which car park it is in. After that we have to get back to our home in Birmingham.”
A taxi driver from Luton Black Cabs said: “There are no customers. No work. Nowhere to park. It’s a nightmare”
Beds Fire and Rescue said half of the car park was involved in the fire. The first call to the fire was made at 13 minutes to nine.
15 fire engines were called to the scene. The fire raged until the early hours of the morning.
Local residents were advised to keep their windows and doors closed. There was traffic chaos. The M1 around Luton was gridlocked as were local roads.
As the fire raged, vehicle alarms and loud explosions could be heard as the fire tore through the upper floor of the car park.
Luton Airport said flights were suspended until 3pm. The airport said: “Our priority remains supporting the emergency services and the safety of our passengers and staff. We’re working hard to get the airport operational as soon as possible. All flights are currently suspended until 3pm on Wednesday, October 11.
“Passengers are advised not to travel to the airport at this time, as access remains severely restricted.
“For queries relating to a parked vehicle or future booking please contact luton.customerservices@apcoa.com.
Beds Boro Bulletin Oct 23
https://digital.magmgr.com/Preview/Index/2696081#page/1
“Passengers should contact their airline for information regarding their flight.”
