Heathrow Airport hit by major delays & M4 SHUT as electric car ‘explodes’ inside tunnel sparking massive inferno
HEATHROW Airport has been hit by major delays – after the M4 was shut following a car explosion.
The electric car burst into flames inside a tunnel on the motorway in the early hours of this morning.
Two fire engines rushed to the scene, but the car was left completely destroyed.
The motorway was closed southbound between J4 and J4A following the incident.
In a blow to holiday-makers, road access to Heathrow Terminals 2 and 3 is “restricted”, a spokesperson said.
They have instead been advised get public transport to the airport – or use the M25 J14 or M4 J3.
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “We were called just before 3am to an electric vehicle fire inside the east ramp.
“We sent two fire engines to the scene but once the fire was extinguished the car was completely destroyed.
“The fire was under control by 3.45am. London Ambulance were called to the scene but there are no reports of any injuries. We left the scene at 4.30am.”
Posting on X, a National Highways spokesperson said: “The #M4 southbound spur #Heathrow in #GreaterLondon is closed between the M4 J4 and J4A due to a vehicle fire in the tunnel.
“Emergency services are in attendance.
“Please allow extra time for your journey. Thank you for your patience.”
Posting again at 6.14am, the operator confirmed that the closure was still in place.
A Heathrow Airport spokesperson said: “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.”
It was not the only headache for Heathrow passengers this morning – as rail travellers were also told to expect disruption between Paddington and Heathrow Terminal 4.
This was caused by a fire next to the track, said National Rail.
However, the network said trains were now running as usual.