DOZENS of drivers have been locked out of their cars for days after a fire shut down a major airport parking garage – and some even missed their flights.
Travelers who left their vehicles inside the structure say they have been left in the dark with little access and no timeline.
The chaos unfolded at a parking deck that went up in flames on Friday.
Jacksonville International Airport, Florida, confirmed the mess is tied to its Hourly Garage, which remains sealed off to the public.
Jacksonville International Airport was forced to shut down the garage and even grounded flights for over four hours.
Flames spread rapidly, torching dozens of vehicles and triggering a partial collapse of two levels, ABC affiliate WTLV reported.
Officials said about 50 cars were destroyed in the blaze.
The fire broke out around noon on the second floor, according to Jacksonville Fire and Rescue.
The exact cause is still under investigation, but authorities confirmed it began in a single vehicle.
Officials have not revealed what type of car it was or how the fire started.
“We believe certain areas will be deemed safe and cleared later this week,” the Jacksonville Aviation Authority said in a statement.
Crews are still inspecting the site after a car caught fire on an upper level, CBS local affiliate WJAX reported.
The destruction left travelers stranded and scrambling to figure out how to retrieve their vehicles.
“Everything’s been smooth at this airport. So this is a first,” said Grant Henslee, who missed his flight because of the chaos.
“Kind of put me in a little hole, because that’s my main type of transportation,” Johnathan Huggins told CW local affiliate WJXT.
“But I’m just glad nobody got hurt.”
Drivers' cars trapped in airport garage
About 50 vehicles were damaged after a fire broke out inside the second floor of the Hourly Garage. The blaze caused a partial collapse of two floors in the structure. Only ATF agents and investigators are currently allowed inside the collapsed area. Roughly 600 parking spots in the unaffected half of the garage may reopen by Wednesday. Drivers with cars in the northern end will receive pickup time notifications starting Tuesday. Once cleared, that section may reopen for limited operations. Affected travelers can sign up for updates via a form on the Jacksonville International Airport websiteOnly ATF agents and investigators are currently allowed in the collapsed area of the structure.
On Monday, airport officials said they expect about 600 spaces in the unaffected half of the garage to reopen by Wednesday.
Notifications will go out to those with cars in the northern end of the garage with times to pick up their vehicles.
Once those cars are cleared, that portion may reopen for limited use.
Travelers can sign up for updates through an online form set up by the airport.
Communication issues also caused problems for passengers rebooking after the incident.
According to Henslee, Southwest Airlines marked his reservation as a no-show.
Others tried to dodge delays by checking news reports and rerouting.
“We definitely knew that we were not taking I-95 at all,” said Angel Studer.
The garage remains sealed off with caution tape, collapsed beams, and heavy fire damage clearly visible.
Rental car returns have been temporarily moved while repairs continue.
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