A car park at London Luton Airport is set to be completely demolished after a major fire broke out last month, resulting in “significant structural collapse”.
As previously reported by the FPA, over 100 firefighters responded to the blaze that started on level three of the airport’s Terminal Car Park 2 on the evening of 11 October 2023, with Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service (BFRS) soon declaring it a “major incident”.
Bedfordshire Police later arrested a man in his 30s on suspicion of criminal damage before releasing him on bail. It is believed he was arrested “as a precaution” in relation to the fire. A spokesperson for the force explained: “We are carrying out a thorough and diligent investigation into all potential lines of enquiry, as should be expected after such a major event. The man has been released on bail while our enquiries continue.”
BFRS later said that while an investigation into the fire continues, it could confirm that the vehicle that first caught fire was a diesel car. It is believed that up to 1,500 vehicles were parked at the car park when the fire broke out, with the majority of them being written off. An airport spokesperson said that the registration details of over 1,400 vehicles had been sent to the Motor Insurers’ Bureau, with a number of owners having had their claims processed through their insurance companies.
BFRS also added that the car park, which had been opened four years ago, had not been fitted with sprinklers. Chief Fire Officer for BFRS, Andy Hopkinson said: "We are already talking to the airport about ensuring that any future, and the existing, car parks have sprinklers fitted. Sprinklers may have made a positive impact on this incident."
On 27 October, a spokesperson for the Association of British Insurers (ABI) offered the vehicle owners further assurance: “Insurers continue to do all they can to help their customers affected by the fire at Luton Airport. We’ve worked with the airport and fellow industry body the Motor Insurers’ Bureau to obtain and share the number plates of the vehicles in the car park, and our members are in contact with their customers. They’re doing all they can to pay any claims as quickly as possible.
“Many insurers have been covering the costs of their customers’ journeys home from the airport, and some have also said they will waive policy excesses or that claims from the fire will not impact no claims discounts. If you have been affected by the fire, speak to your insurer to see what support is available.”
Due to the extent of the damage caused, the Operations Director for the airport, Neil Thompson, confirmed that the car park would need to be demolished completely:
“I know the past few weeks since the fire have been extremely challenging and difficult for you. Regrettably, I can now confirm, that due to the extent of the structural damage, the car park will need to be fully demolished, and any cars parked on levels ground to three are not recoverable, ahead of the demolition work. This is consistent with our initial assessment, which has now been confirmed following a full structural report.”
Neil added that work was also underway to remove cars from the top deck of the car park primarily for safety reasons: “The process to remove around 100 vehicles from the top deck to stabilise the structure is ongoing. This has been a painstaking task and has taken longer than expected, not least because we have been hampered by periods of bad weather and strong winds.
Neil added: “It is reassuring to note that the vast majority of insurance claims have been settled. If you have yet to receive your final settlement, the advice is to contact your insurance company as soon as possible.
“On behalf of everyone at London Luton Airport, I would like to thank you for your patience and understanding as we have worked through this unprecedented situation.”
(Photograph by Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service)