A terminal at London’s Heathrow Airport was evacuated and its check-in area closed on Monday evening after emergency services were called to a possible hazardous materials incident, airport and fire brigade officials said.
The London Fire Brigade said specialist crews were deployed to assess the scene after it was first alerted at 5:01 p.m. Monday. Crews from Feltham, Heathrow, Wembley and surrounding fire stations were sent to Terminal 4, and part of the airport was evacuated "as a precaution" while firefighters responded.
A Heathrow spokesperson said Terminal 4 check-in had been closed and evacuated and urged passengers not to travel to Terminal 4 while staff supported those on site. "All other terminals are operating as normal," the spokesperson added.
National Rail said trains were not stopping at Heathrow Terminal 4 because emergency services were dealing with an incident. Despite the evacuation, most flights at the airport were reported to be proceeding and there were no immediate widespread cancellations or delays linked to the incident, according to airport sources.
Ambulances and fire crews were seen outside the terminal after 5 p.m., and crowds of passengers gathered as authorities worked at the scene. Officials did not immediately provide details on the nature of the hazardous material or whether anyone had been injured. The fire brigade said its specialist teams were carrying out an assessment.
Heathrow, Britain’s busiest airport, has previously suffered major disruption this year when a main electrical substation exploded in March, forcing the airport to shut and causing prolonged travel chaos. Airport officials said they would provide further information as soon as it becomes available.
Emergency services remained at the site into the evening conducting assessments. Passengers with travel plans to or from Heathrow were advised to check with their airlines for updates and to avoid travelling to Terminal 4 while the response continues.
This is a developing story; authorities are continuing their response and investigations, and further details will be released when available.