Fire at Bethlehem Airshow destroys more than 30 vehicles as investigation continues

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Bethlehem Airshow | Photo supplied

The highly anticipated Bethlehem Airshow, scheduled for September 7, 2024, ended in disaster when a fire broke out and destroyed more than 30 vehicles. The incident, which occurred at Bethlehem Airfield in the Free State, quickly escalated when emergency services arrived on the scene.

Fire breaks out at Bethlehem Airshow

Initial reports suggest the fire was started when hot coals from a braai (barbecue) area were blown by the wind onto dry grass. This unfortunate accident led to a rapid spread of the fire, fueled by the dry conditions at the location. Witnesses stated that the fire spread rapidly and caused extensive damage to cars parked nearby.

The Dihlabeng municipality confirmed the incident and expressed regret for what they described as a “sad incident” that nearly ruined a well-planned event. “Several cars were damaged by fire. The cause of the fire is still under investigation,” they said in an official statement shared on their social media platforms.

Emergency aid and research

The fire was brought under control by firefighters and emergency response teams who were quickly on the scene. Despite their efforts, the fire had already destroyed several luxury vehicles, including brands such as Audi and Mercedes-Benz.

Brian Emmenis, a well-known airshow commentator, praised the efforts of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and airshow officials for dealing with the situation quickly, which resulted in no lives being lost. He said: “The smoke was very thick and made it unpleasant, but the officials made good decisions by taking the safety of the public into account.”

An investigation is currently underway to determine the exact cause of the fire. Officials from Dihlabeng Municipality have assured the public that a more detailed statement will be issued once all the facts have been gathered.

The incident has sparked anger and disappointment on social media, with many attendees sharing their frustrations. Facebook user SK-Dog Bra-Gibs shared: “Bethlehem Airshow turned into a mess… Apparently ‘people decided to have a braai and the wind blew the hot coals away’.”

Others pointed out issues with the event management, highlighting long lines and extra fees for tickets that were not communicated in advance. Malome Tactix, another attendee, shared: “The worst Bethlehem Airshow ever… In the end, more than 5 cars were burned down due to negligence.”

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