A massive fire broke out at Luton Airport’s multi-storey car park, destroying 1,352 vehicles and causing injuries to four firefighters. The incident could have been contained faster if a sprinkler system had been installed, according to a report. The fire started in a red Range Rover due to an electrical fault or component failure in the engine bay. The blaze quickly spread to other vehicles, leading to a major incident declaration and the evacuation of an airport worker who tried to save their car.
Over 100 firefighters battled the fire as it engulfed the third floor of the car park, leading to a partial collapse of the structure. Flights were suspended until the next day as emergency crews worked to extinguish the flames. The airport has since demolished the damaged car park and is now building a new one with a fire suppressant system in place.
The report emphasized the importance of having sprinkler systems in place to prevent such massive fires and reduce the risk of structural collapse. The airport management expressed gratitude for the efforts of the fire service and the support of passengers and business partners during the incident. The construction of the new car park with enhanced safety measures is underway to prevent similar incidents in the future.
