Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Airport gridlock hinders getaway

Gary Finn
Friday 28 May 1999 23:02 BST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

A BANK holiday weekend is inevitably plagued by travel problems but yesterday descended into utter chaos for thousands of holidaymakers after Heathrow airport ground to a halt because of a power cut and the main East Coast rail line was closed because of a fire.

Thousands of holidaymakers attempting to leave the country were stranded at the world's busiest airport when terminals three and four were hit by a power cut at 2.45pm. It prevented any planes from taking off and there was a gridlock on the tarmac as aircraft continued to land with little hope of leaving for hours.

GNER suspended all rail services between London and Edinburgh for several hoursafter 10,000 pallets caught fire near the track. The fire was so intense it melted high-tensile steel power cables and burnt through sleepers.

Vast quantities of traffic is expected on the country's main roads this weekend because of the array ofevents on offer. The Southend Air Show in Essex is expected to attract 750,000 people and the annual Fish Quay Festival in North Shields, Tyneside, 500,000 people.

England's crucial World Cup cricket clash against India at Edgbaston, Birmingham, the Volvo PGA Golf Championships at Wentworth, Surrey, the British Touring Car Championships at Oulton Park, Cheshire, and cycling's Prutour from Carlisle to Edinburgh, will also bring in the crowds.

Last night the worst-hit roads included the M5 near Bristol, where several minor accidents led to a 17-mile tailback, and the M1. The good news is that the weather will be warm and sunny for much of the country this weekend.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in