Heathrow tunnel fire - everything we know so far amid M4 travel chaos
There are reports of major disruption on the M4 towards Heathrow following an earlier vehicle fire in a tunnel.
- There is major travel disruption this morning following a fire at Heathrow Airport.
- Passengers travelling to the airport on the M4 are facing major delays.
- National Highways East said the road had been reopened but warned of "severe delays on the approach".
- The tunnel has now reopened by delays remain.
Passengers travelling to Heathrow Airport - Europe’s busiest airport - are facing major disruption following a vehicle fire this morning.
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The incident, which occurred shortly before 3am, limited access to Terminals 2 and 3 of the busy airport.
Heathrow Airport posted on X: “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. We apologise for the disruption caused.”
Major delays on the M4 this morning
The M4 Spur Road (Emirates Roundabout) was closed both ways due to the vehicle fire, with AA Roadwatch reporting “queuing traffic.”
The tunnel has now reopened and there were no injuries reported.
London Fire Brigade said: “We were called just before 3am today to a car fire in a tunnel near Heathrow Airport. Firefighters attended and extinguished the fire, which involved a diesel-powered vehicle. No one was hurt and the airport has now confirmed the tunnel has re-opened.”
Was it an electric car that caught fire?
There are several reports online that the car involved was actually an electric vehicle that ‘exploded’ inside the tunnel.
LBC reported: “Initial reports suggest an electric vehicle was seen to be engulfed in flames in the tunnel connected Terminals 1, 2 and 3. It's reported the incident involved an electric car that was spotted inside the tunnel temporarily closing the tunnel.”
The Express has also reported the same thing.
Passengers have advised online heading to Terminals 4 and 5 for parking.