A major European airport has been forced to close off parts of its terminal after a fire broke out at a check-in desk. Part of Milan Malpensa Airport’s Terminal One was closed after a man reportedly set fire to the check-in area, according to the Lombardy Airports Association.
Travellers were seen queuing outside the building as emergency crews worked to battle the flames, which filled the terminal with thick smoke.
Footage shared on social media appears to show the man being challenged by several people and then pinned to the ground by staff. Cries of alarm can also be heard.
After first setting fire to a waste bin, the man damaged check-in desks and information screens with a hammer, Varese News reported.
The fire was started using a flammable liquid around 11am local time. A SEA employee noticed the rising smoke and intervened while the suspect was destroying screens between desks 12 and 13, Varese News added.
Border Police officers soon arrived and restrained the man, while staff from airport security company ICTS worked to put out the flames.
The SEA employee who intervened was injured and treated by emergency medical services but no other injuries have yet been reported.
The hammer was taken by Polaria officers, who are now investigating the incident and the attacker’s motives.
“The situation was quickly brought under control after the arrest of the madman who set fire to and destroyed several check-in desks,” The Lombardy Airports Association updated, after previously saying that half of the check-in area was closed.
“Due to the closure of some areas and the evacuation of premises, there may be delays and cancellations for departures from Malpensa T1.”
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