Flights grounded as van 'explodes' in tunnel under Manchester Airport
Flights have been grounded at Manchester Airport after an explosion in a tunnel running under the building.
Dramatic images posted online showed smoke pouring out of the underpass as fire fighters battled the blaze.
According to the Manchester Evening News, a spokeswoman for the airport confirmed that seven inbound flights were diverted to other airports, and there have been delays on other flights.
Police officers helped drivers reverse cars out of the tunnel as witnesses reported hearing a “loud bang” before a flames erupted from a van.
Fire in Manchester Airport tunnels on a538 pic.twitter.com/F7xl2Ow4FW
— Only Dale (@onlydale) February 28, 2017
Dale Beardsall told the newspaper: “There was a lot of smoke and all the traffic had stopped. A couple of guys ran through the tunnel, they said ‘get everybody to back out'.
“I managed to back out of the tunnel in my car, but some people in cars in front had to get out of their cars and run out on foot.”
Police cordon in front of the Manchester Airport tunnel which has been closed due to a fire pic.twitter.com/sJreq20BMK
— Chris Slater (@chrisslaterMEN) February 28, 2017
A spokesman for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said they were called to reports of a van on fire inside the airport tunnel at 5.20pm.
They sent four fire engines to the scene while Cheshire Fire Service also sent one engine.
Four fire fighters wearing breathing gear were tackling the blaze, said the spokesman.
The driver of the van does not appear to have been hurt.
Passengers have been advised to check the status of their flight with their airline.