Drivers warned of huge motor insurance issues after Luton Airport car park fire
Motorists are being urged to contact their insurance provider after the Luton Airport fire
REUTERS
Experts are warning motorists about what they should do if they were affected by the recent fire at London Luton Airport car park which destroyed hundreds of cars.
The fire started just before 9pm on Tuesday, with onlookers seeing fire and smoke coming from the short stay car park at the airport.
Within minutes, the multi-storey structure was in flames, with onlookers saying they could hear explosions and pieces of cars “flying off”.
Andrew Hopkinson, chief fire officer for Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, said the fire started after a diesel-powered Range Rover burst into flames.
WATCH NOW: Devastating footage of the blaze at Luton Airport car park
He said the fire “quickly and rapidly spread” leading to the parking structure being engulfed in the blaze.
More than 100 firefighters were called to the scene to put out the flames and assess the damage.
Greg Carter, technical expert at the AA, said the most common cause of car fires is electrical faults, usually with the 12-volt battery system.
He said diesel was “much less flammable” than petrol, with “intense pressure or sustained flame” needed to ignite the fuel type.
A spokesperson for the Association of British Insurers clarified what would happen to the drivers who were affected by the devastating blaze.
They said: “Owners of vehicles caught up in this fire will naturally be very concerned.
“Comprehensive and third-party fire and theft motor insurance policies will cover fire damage.
“Drivers affected should notify any claim to their motor insurer.
“We will continue to work with our members and Luton Airport to understand the situation, as and when more information becomes available.”
The spokesperson added that it was too early to estimate the insured cost of the fire, although estimates show up to 1,200 cars could have been destroyed.
They also called on travellers caught up in the disruption to check their position with their air carrier or travel operator.
Some policies may offer limited cover for delays, or potentially even for the abandonment of travel.
There are now fears that the relatively new £20million car park may have to be demolished after extensive damage to the structure.
The fire service confirmed that the car park did not have a sprinkler system which could have impacted the progress of the fire.
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The aftermath shows hundreds of vehicles destroyed
PA
It is estimated that around 30,000 passengers suffered disruption to their journeys, with flights only resuming at the airport yesterday afternoon.