A fire burning in a London airport's parking structure early Wednesday, October 11, caused a partial collapse, and five people have been hospitalized for smoke inhalation. All flights at Luton Airport were suspended until noon due to the fire, the airport posted on the X social media platform. Five people, firefighters and an airline official, were admitted to hospitals for smoke inhalation. A sixth person was treated at the scene.
"The safety of our passengers and staff remains our main priority. We have therefore taken the decision to suspend all flights until 12pm on Wednesday 11th October," the airport said in a statement. "Passengers are advised not to travel to the airport at this time, as access remains severely restricted," it added.
Video posted on social media and on British news outlets' websites showed police and fire department vehicles gathered outside a multi-story parking structure where the top level was engulfed in orange flames. The newly built parking structure for Terminal 2 partially collapsed after the fire started around 9 pm Tuesday. The airport asked would-be passengers to stay away since access to the area was restricted.
Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue, Bedfordshire Police and the East of England Ambulance remain on the scene. Luton Airport is about 35 miles (56 kilometers) north of central London and is one of several international airports serving the city.