For the past several hours, Heathrow Airport has been engulfed in absolute chaos, with most flights either being diverted or cancelled. Reports indicate that this disruption could last for the next 24 to 48 hours as the airport’s terminals grapple with significant power outages. Airport management is doing everything in its power to keep critical systems running, relying on battery backups to maintain operations.
The cause of the shutdown can be traced to a massive explosion at a nearby electricity substation located on Nestles Avenue in Hayes. The blast sent thick plumes of smoke spiraling into the sky, affecting a wide area. This explosion has resulted in widespread power outages throughout West London, leaving thousands of properties without electricity. Although the exact number of affected homes is still to be confirmed, it’s clear that the impact is severe.
By Thursday evening, nearly 70 firefighters and 10 fire engines were deployed to tackle the fire. Despite the scale of the disaster, the firefighting teams are making progress in containing the flames, offering a glimmer of hope in an otherwise grim situation.
While some media outlets focus on urging local residents to stay indoors, close their windows, and protect themselves from smoke and ash, others are delving into more speculative territory. One such theory circulating is that the substation may have been the victim of a cyber-attack, with claims that the outage has affected as many as 16,000 homes. Although cyber-attacks can certainly disrupt digital infrastructure, it’s important to note that an explosion of this magnitude would not be the result of a digital assault alone. In fact, an event like this could only be caused by a more direct form of attack, such as a missile strike.
However, some online platforms, including Reddit and Telegram, are buzzing with claims that the explosion at the substation was part of a broader state-sponsored cyber-attack orchestrated by Russian forces. The theory suggests that this was a retaliatory move due to Britain’s support for Ukraine in the ongoing conflict. There are also speculations that more attacks of this nature could be planned across London, targeting critical infrastructure to sow panic among the population.
At this stage, no official statement has been issued regarding the cause of the explosion, and it is important for the public to refrain from believing or spreading unverified rumors. Local authorities have urged citizens to follow official instructions and stay informed through trusted channels rather than relying on the speculative content circulating on social media. Until more concrete information is available, it’s crucial to exercise caution and remain calm in the face of uncertainty.
Update- A small blaze that started in an old electric transformer in the substation, is said to have led to the big explosion and unnecessary chaos that led to the shutdown of airport operations on a temporary note, due to the power outage. However, anti terror squads and the cyber army are investigating the incident to the core to get some valid leads.
