Passengers face considerable delays due to a fire in a tunnel affecting access to Terminals 1, 2, and 3.
Passengers travelling to Heathrow Airport today are experiencing significant delays due to an early morning fire involving an electric vehicle, which occurred inside one of the tunnels serving Terminals 1, 2, and 3. The incident has resulted in the closure of the southbound lanes of the M4 motorway between junctions 4 and 4a, creating considerable disruption for holidaymakers and commuters alike.
Emergency services were alerted to the emergency around dawn, with two fire engines promptly dispatched to manage the situation. The electric car was reportedly engulfed in flames, prompting a swift response from the authorities to ensure public safety. A representative from Heathrow Airport has confirmed, “Due to an earlier vehicle fire, road access to Terminals 2 and 3 is partially restricted. Passengers are advised to leave more time travelling to the airport and use public transport where possible.”
In light of the ongoing disruption, travellers have been encouraged to consider alternative routes, such as the M25 Junction 14 or M4 Junction 3, and to utilise public transport options wherever feasible. The airport’s spokesperson acknowledged the inconvenience caused and noted, “Latest updates can be found on Heathrow.com and our social media channels. We apologise for the disruption caused.”
The incident underscores the potential challenges that can arise unexpectedly in busy transport hubs, particularly during peak travel times. As the situation continues to unfold, affected passengers are urged to remain updated through official channels.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.moreradio.online/news/sky-news/passengers-travelling-to-heathrow-airport-face-delays-on-m4-after-car-catches-fire-in-tunnel/ – This article corroborates the claim that passengers traveling to Heathrow Airport are facing delays due to a car fire on the M4. It mentions that the incident occurred in a tunnel, affecting traffic.
- https://news.az/news/heathrow-airport-passengers-hit-by-major-delays-after-car-fire-in-tunnel – This news piece supports the information about major delays at Heathrow Airport caused by a car fire in a tunnel. It also mentions the involvement of emergency services.
- https://www.timesnownews.com/world/uk/heathrow-airport-fire-passengers-face-delays-after-car-catches-on-fire-inside-tunnel-article-118834821 – This article confirms the fire incident involving an electric vehicle inside a tunnel and its impact on passengers traveling to Heathrow Airport.
- https://www.heathrow.com/ – Heathrow Airport’s official website is recommended for the latest updates on travel disruptions, as mentioned in the article.
- https://www.highwaysengland.co.uk/traffic-information/traffic-updates/ – This Highways England traffic updates page can provide information on road closures and alternative routes, such as those suggested in the article (e.g., M25 Junction 14 or M4 Junction 3).
- https://tfl.gov.uk/ – The Transport for London (TFL) website offers public transport options and updates, which are recommended for travelers affected by the road closures.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
9
Notes:
The narrative appears to be current, referencing an ongoing incident without any outdated information or references to past events.
Quotes check
Score:
8
Notes:
The quote from Heathrow Airport’s representative is likely original to this incident, but without further online sources, it cannot be confirmed as the earliest reference.
Source reliability
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative originates from the Express, a well-known publication, though not as highly regarded for in-depth analysis as some other UK news outlets like the BBC or Financial Times.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
The claims about a fire causing disruptions at Heathrow are plausible given the context of unexpected incidents in transport hubs. However, specific details like the exact cause of the fire or its impact on flights are not provided.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative appears fresh and plausible, with a reliable source. While the quote’s originality cannot be fully verified, the overall context suggests a recent and credible event.
