Heathrow Airport forced to close after fire at an electrical substation on 21 March 2025

[Bewitchingstorm]

A fire at the North Hyde electrical substation in Hayes, west London, knocked out the power supply to Heathrow and other businesses and homes in the surrounding area.

The cause of the fire is not yet known, but emergency services were first called to the scene at 23:23 GMT on Thursday.

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband told the BBC the fire appeared to have knocked out a backup generator as well.

Heathrow has said it doesn't "have clarity on when power may be reliably restored", and that it will be closed until 23:59 tonight.

The BBC understands that counter-terrorism officers from the Metropolitan Police will be involved in the investigation into a fire at a electricity substation near Heathrow.

This is not because of any direct evidence of sabotage, but because of their skills and the need to quickly rule out foul play.

Their involvement was described by a source as "belt and braces" and a "precautionary measure".

https://www.bbc.com/news/live/cly24zvvwxlt

[raisedbywolves]

Wonder if they have a bunch of people attacking the power grid like we have had here? This is going to have an effect on travel worldwide as it ripples down.

[Bewitchingstorm]

Wonder if they have a bunch of people attacking the power grid like we have had here? This is going to have an effect on travel worldwide as it ripples down.

My mind immediately went there. I hope it isn't the case.