Heathrow Airport hit by major delays & M4 SHUT as car ‘explodes’ inside tunnel sparking massive inferno

HEATHROW Airport has been hit by major delays - after a car exploded on the M4, causing it to shut.

The vehicle burst into flames inside a tunnel on the motorway in the early hours of this morning.

Two fire engines rushed to the scene around 3am, but the car was left completely destroyed.

The motorway was closed southbound between J4 and J4A following the incident.

In a blow to holiday-makers, road access to Heathrow Terminals 2 and 3 was ";restricted", a spokesperson said.

Jet-setters were instead advised get public transport to the airport - or use the M25 J14 or M4 J3.

All roads have since reopened - but congestion is ongoing in and around the airport.

A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: "We were called just before 3am today to reports of car fire in a tunnel near Heathrow Airport.

"Firefighters attended and discovered a car fully alight.

"The fire was safely extinguished by firefighters and no one was reported to be injured."

In an earlier statement, a spokesperson said: "We sent two fire engines to the scene but once the fire was extinguished the car was completely destroyed.

"The fire was under control by 3.45am. London Ambulance were called to the scene but there are no reports of any injuries. We left the scene at 4.30am."

The vehicle was originally reported to be electric, but subsequent investigations revealed it was diesel-powered, the fire service added.

Posting on X this morning, a National Highways spokesperson said: "The #M4 southbound spur #Heathrow in #GreaterLondon is closed between the M4 J4 and J4A due to a vehicle fire in the tunnel.

"Emergency services are in attendance.

"Please allow extra time for your journey. Thank you for your patience."

However, all roads are understood to have since reopened.

A Heathrow Airport spokesperson said: "An earlier vehicle fire affecting road access to Terminals 2 and 3 has now been resolved.

"All roads have now reopened but there continues to be some congestion around the airport.

"We apologise for the disruption caused this morning."

It was not the only headache for Heathrow passengers this morning - who were also told to expect rail disruption between Paddington and Heathrow Terminal 4.

This was caused by a fire next to the track, said National Rail.

However, the network said trains were now running as usual.