A man has been arrested on suspicion of arson after a fire destroyed approximately 140 vehicles at a car park used by Gatwick Airport passengers. The blaze, which erupted near Crawley on Saturday night, also damaged nearby businesses and caused power cuts in the area.
The fire broke out at Caldyne business park, located roughly eight miles from Gatwick Airport, shortly after 9pm. Images from the scene showed multiple vehicles engulfed in flames with large plumes of smoke rising near overhead power lines.
KEY FACTS
- About 140 vehicles were destroyed in the fire
- The blaze occurred at Caldyne business park near Crawley
- The site is approximately eight miles from Gatwick Airport
- The fire started just after 9pm on Saturday
- One man has been arrested on suspicion of arson
WHAT HAPPENED DURING THE INCIDENT?
The fire caused significant disruption in the area, affecting not only the car park but also nearby businesses and infrastructure. The proximity to overhead power lines raised additional concerns as massive smoke plumes were visible near these critical utilities.
While the car park primarily served airport passengers, the full extent of affected travelers remains unclear. The destruction of approximately 140 vehicles represents a substantial loss for both individual owners and potentially rental companies operating in the airport vicinity.
WHO IS AFFECTED?
The immediate impact falls on vehicle owners who parked at the facility, many likely being travelers using Gatwick Airport. Nearby businesses suffered collateral damage, and local residents experienced power outages due to the fire’s intensity and proximity to electrical infrastructure.
The arrest suggests authorities are treating the incident as potentially deliberate, though no motive has been disclosed. The suspect’s identity and any possible connection to the affected businesses or car park operations remain unknown at this stage.
WHAT WE KNOW — AND WHAT WE DON’T
Verified by the source:
- Approximately 140 vehicles were destroyed
- The fire occurred at Caldyne business park near Crawley
- A man has been arrested on suspicion of arson
Still unconfirmed:
- The exact cause of the fire
- Whether any injuries resulted from the incident
- The identity of the arrested individual
- Total financial damage estimates
WHY IT MATTERS
Major fires near critical transportation hubs like Gatwick Airport can disrupt travel plans and local economies. The incident raises questions about security at off-airport parking facilities and the potential vulnerability of such sites to deliberate attacks. For affected travelers, vehicle loss creates immediate logistical and insurance challenges.
WHAT TO WATCH
Authorities will likely continue their investigation into the fire’s cause and the suspect’s possible motives. Insurance claims from vehicle owners and affected businesses may reveal the full financial impact in coming weeks. For more on transportation disruptions, see our economy and markets coverage.
Meta description: A suspected arson fire destroyed 140 vehicles at a Gatwick Airport car park, leading to one arrest and significant local disruption.