Heathrow Airport was thrown into chaos on Wednesday afternoon after a major security alert prompted the full evacuation of Terminal 2, The Queen's Terminal.
Emergency services, including specialist hazardous materials teams, rushed to the scene following the discovery of a suspicious package containing potentially dangerous substances. The alert triggered immediate evacuation protocols, with hundreds of passengers being hurriedly cleared from the departure area.
The incident caused widespread disruption across one of Britain's busiest airports, with multiple flights facing delays and cancellations during the busy afternoon period. Airport authorities implemented emergency procedures while police and fire crews assessed the situation.
Eyewitnesses reported seeing large numbers of emergency vehicles responding to the incident as concerned passengers were moved to safe areas outside the terminal building. The scale of the response highlighted the seriousness with which authorities treated the potential threat.
Heathrow Airport officials confirmed that safety protocols were immediately activated. 'We're working with emergency services to resolve a security alert in Terminal 2,' a spokesperson stated. 'The terminal has been evacuated as a precautionary measure.'
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the constant security challenges facing major international airports. While the specific nature of the hazardous materials wasn't immediately disclosed, the rapid response demonstrated Heathrow's preparedness for such emergencies.
Passengers were advised to check with their airlines for the latest flight information as operations gradually resumed following the all-clear from emergency services.
