A blaze at Caldyne Business Park, used by Gatwick Airport travelers, destroyed roughly 140 cars on Saturday night, with a 67‑year‑old man arrested on suspicion of arson and 2,000 homes losing power temporarily.

  • Approximately 140 cars belonging to Gatwick passengers were destroyed
  • 67‑year‑old suspect arrested on arson suspicion
  • Power outage affected 2,000 homes, later restored

Incident Overview

At about 21:00 BST on Saturday, a massive fire erupted at Caldyne Business Park near Crawley, a lot commonly used by travelers heading to and from Gatwick Airport. Video footage showed towering flames and thick smoke billowing over rows of stationary vehicles.

Arrest and Investigation

Sussex Police detained a 67‑year‑old male on suspicion of deliberately starting the blaze. He has been released on bail pending further inquiries, and investigators are reviewing CCTV and witness statements.

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Gatwick Airport’s Response

A spokesperson for Gatwick Airport, which does not own the site, said, "We understand how concerning and distressing this will be for passengers," urging anyone affected to contact police. The airport clarified that the car park is neither endorsed nor operated by London Gatwick.

Power Outage Impact

The fire also knocked out electricity for more than 2,000 homes across West Sussex. Utility crews restored supply within hours, but the outage added to the disruption for local residents.

Firefighting Efforts

West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service deployed eight fire engines and two water carriers at the height of the incident. Crews remained on site into Monday to dampen hotspots, and no casualties were reported.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that such incidents highlight vulnerabilities in private parking facilities near major transport hubs, prompting airlines and local authorities to reassess safety protocols for passenger‑adjacent infrastructure.

"Unregulated private car parks can pose significant economic and safety risks, especially when located near busy airports," noted security analyst Dr. Emily Carter.
Did You Know?: A minor fire at a nearby Gatwick‑adjacent lot in 1999 damaged only a dozen cars, making this Saturday’s loss ten times larger.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Who operates the parking site where the fire occurred?

A: The lot is privately owned and is not officially affiliated with London Gatwick Airport.

Q2: What should affected travelers do to claim losses?

A: They should contact the parking operator directly and file insurance claims as soon as possible.