A significant incident unfolded on Sunday afternoon, April 13, at Gatwick Airport when a car caught fire in a parking area, causing panic among nearby onlookers. Eyewitness accounts describe a dark-coloured Volkswagen that was waiting at an exit barrier in Car Park 6, which began emitting smoke before rapidly igniting.
As the situation escalated, the sound of explosions filled the air, attributed to the bursting tyres of the vehicle, which ultimately became entirely engulfed in flames. Witnesses reported a chaotic scene, with one individual noting that the car “started smoking” as it approached the barrier. As the flames erupted, there were alarming sounds reminiscent of gunshots or explosions, intensifying the fear among bystanders.
One passerby, who chose to remain anonymous, detailed their experience, stating, “It was quite traumatic as it was a full on blaze. People were screaming as the tyres were blowing out.” The witness recounted the heroic actions of a driver from a nearby AA van who attempted to extinguish the fire with a fire extinguisher, but his efforts were unsuccessful as the smoke gave way to flames.
The fire's intensity led to an adjacent pillar also catching fire, further complicating the situation. The airport's Fire Service responded swiftly to the incident, and a spokesperson confirmed that the fire was subsequently extinguished. “The airport Fire Service responded to a vehicle fire outside a North Terminal car park this afternoon. The fire has now been resolved,” the spokesperson stated.
Following the incident, car access to the North Terminal was temporarily suspended, although it has since been reopened. West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service has been approached for further comment regarding the circumstances of the fire.
Overall, the incident at Gatwick Airport highlights the potential dangers associated with vehicles and underscores the rapid response of emergency services in such situations.
Source: Noah Wire Services