Emergency services swarmed one of Italy's major international hubs on Saturday after a significant blaze sent plumes of thick, black smoke billowing from Milan Malpensa Airport.
The fire, reported to be electrical in nature, ignited within the ceiling structure of the bustling Terminal 1 building, triggering a full-scale evacuation. Terrified passengers and staff were hurried outside as alarms blared, leaving luggage and flights abandoned.
Dramatic footage and images from the scene captured the intense response, with multiple fire crews, police, and ambulances racing to the airport located roughly 30 miles from central Milan. Thick smoke could be seen pouring from the terminal's roof, visible for miles.
Chaos and Cancellations
The incident caused immediate and widespread disruption. All operations within Terminal 1 were brought to a standstill. Flights were either cancelled, diverted to other airports including Milan Linate and Bergamo, or left stranded on the tarmac.
Authorities confirmed the fire originated in a technical room on the first floor, leading to a complex fight for firefighters who worked to contain the flames and prevent them from spreading to other critical areas.
Emergency Response in Action
Despite the alarming scenes, initial reports from the fire brigade, the Vigili del Fuoco, indicated there were no immediate reports of serious injuries. Their primary focus was on containing the electrical fire and ensuring the safety of all individuals within the vast terminal.
Passengers were kept a significant distance from the building as a safety precaution. The scale of the response underscored the severity of the incident at a critical piece of national infrastructure.
Ongoing Travel Mayhem
With Terminal 1—the airport's largest terminal—out of action, travellers were warned to expect severe delays and cancellations throughout the day. Airlines advised all passengers scheduled to fly from Malpensa to contact their carrier directly before travelling to the airport.
The event serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of major transport hubs and the rapid domino effect a single incident can have on international travel schedules. An investigation into the exact cause of the electrical fault is expected to commence once the scene is made safe.
