Heathrow Airport travel LIVE: Fire breaks out shutting key station near airport

all-parliamentary-group-discuss-options-for-airport-expansion live

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 11: A general view of aircraft at Heathrow Airport in front of the London skyline on October 11, 2016 in London, England. The UK government has said it will announce a decision on airport expansion soon. Proposals include either a third runway at Heathrow, an extension of a runway at the airport or a new runway at Gatwick Airport. (Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images) (Image: Getty Images)

A blaze near Heathrow Airport has sent rush hour into chaos, shutting down a key station disrupting travel plans with delays expected until noon. Commuters are experiencing significant delays on routes between London Paddington and Heathrow Terminals, with the situation predicted to persist for several hours.

In a social media post, National Rail said: "NEW: A fire in the Heathrow area means trains are currently unable to call at #HeathrowTerminals." In its most recent update, the firm said lines have now reopened following a fire next to the track between Heathrow Terminals and London Paddington.

But it warned customers that whilst service recovers, "trains running between these stations may still be delayed by up to 30 minutes or cancelled". The incident took place only hours following a tragic traffic collision in Feltham, which claimed three lives and resulted in a separate fire close to the airport. According to the authorities, the H26 bus collided directly with a silver Mercedes on a railway bridge this past Monday night.

Heathrow Airport has been approached for comment.

THIS IS A LIVE BLOG FOLLOW BELOW FOR UPDATES...