The cause of the substation fire that led to a significant power outage at Heathrow Airport in March remains a mystery, according to an interim report by the National Energy System Operator (Neso). The incident, which occurred at the North Hyde Substation, not only disrupted more than 1,350 flights and affected nearly 300,000 passengers but also left approximately 67,000 homes without power. Despite a thorough review of over 600 pieces of evidence, the root cause of the fire has yet to be determined, with no evidence of suspicious activity found.

Power was eventually restored to all four passenger terminals by 10.56am on March 21, yet flights did not resume until around 6pm that evening. This delay was attributed to necessary safety checks to ensure all critical systems were fully operational before passengers could return. The report highlights the complexity of the situation, noting that while electricity was back to the main airport network by 2.23pm, the subsequent safety verification process was crucial for the airport's safe reopening.

The fire's impact extended beyond immediate flight disruptions, raising important questions about the resilience of the UK's energy infrastructure. Heathrow Airport has called for further clarity on how the fire started and why two transformers were affected, emphasizing the need for lessons to be learned to prevent future incidents. Energy Secretary Ed Miliband has also underscored the importance of the final report, expected by the end of June, in strengthening the country's energy resilience and protecting critical national infrastructure.

As the investigation continues, the focus remains on understanding the maintenance history and design of the 57-year-old power substation, as well as the configurations of Heathrow's private electricity network. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure and the need for ongoing vigilance and investment to ensure reliability and safety for all users.

Sandy Gall, the revered war correspondent and long-standing ITN broadcaster, has died at the age of 97. Known for his fearless reporting from some of the most dangerous conflict zones around the world, Gall's career spanned over six decades, during which he became one of the most trusted voices in British journalism. His passing marks the end of an era for war reporting and broadcast journalism.

Gall's journey in journalism began in the early 1950s with Reuters, covering significant global events such as the Suez Crisis and the assassination of President Kennedy. His transition to ITN in 1963 marked the start of a legendary tenure that would see him cover pivotal moments in history, including the Vietnam War and the Soviet-Afghan War. Gall's dedication to reporting from the front lines, often without official clearance, underscored his commitment to bringing the truth to the public.

Beyond his achievements in journalism, Gall was also known for his humanitarian efforts. After retiring from ITN in 1992, he founded Sandy Gall's Afghanistan Appeal, a charity aimed at aiding victims of war, particularly those injured by landmines and children in refugee camps. His work off the field was a testament to his compassion and dedication to making a difference in the lives of those affected by conflict.

Sandy Gall's legacy is not only defined by his groundbreaking reporting but also by his mentorship to younger journalists and his unwavering integrity. As tributes pour in from colleagues and admirers worldwide, it's clear that Gall's contributions to journalism and humanitarian efforts will continue to inspire future generations. His was indeed a great life, generously and courageously lived.