A huge fire broke out at the London Southend Airport on Wednesday, with firefighters and six fire engines battling the blaze.
Southend Airport, about 65 km east of London, operates flights to popular destinations within Europe, including Spain, the Netherlands, Germany, Portugal and Switzerland.
An airport spokesperson was quoted by the Express newspaper as saying that a hangar belonging to Air Livery — a firm that repaints aircraft — on the north side of the site was burning. According to unconfirmed reports, the fire was preceded by an explosion.
Thick black smoke could be seen rising above the airport from kilometres away, though services were not affected by the fire. Another airport spokesperson, speaking to the Daily Mail, said: “Essex Fire and Rescue is currently dealing with an incident at the Air Livery hanger on the north side of the airfield.
“London Southend Airport is still open and operating as normal.’”
{{/usCountry}}“London Southend Airport is still open and operating as normal.’”
{{/usCountry}}Later, the official Twitter account of the Essex fire service posted: “Firefighters have worked extremely hard to quickly extinguigh the fire at @SouthendAirport. The fire is almost out. (sic)”