300 Vehicles on Fire Near Bangalore Air Show

Huge plumes of thick black smoke could be seen in the sky near the Yelahanka air base in north Bengaluru where almost 300 vehicles were destroyed in a big fire at the parking lot of the Aero India 2019 show this afternoon.

Officials say the cause of the fire could be a lit cigarette that was disposed on the grass in the open field.

Senior police officer MN Reddi said the fire spread rapidly due to dry grass and strong winds. Hundreds of vehicles, including two-wheelers and cars, were seen parked in files in the open ground, surrounded by fire.

“Fire in the open field parking lot of aero show. Nearly 20 cars burnt. Fire fighting operations by Chief Fire Officer and 10 water tenders staff under way (sic),” Mr Reddi tweeted.

The fire started at 11:55 am and was brought under control with no injuries being reported.
The air show was temporarily suspended once the fire spread and no planes took off from the airbase till the fire was completely doused.

Defence Ministry statement said the parking area is located well away from the venue, on the other side of the highway.

“IAF immediately launched one helicopter for aerial assessment, the helicopter assisted by providing effective directions to fight the fire. The fire was brought under control by deploying more than 12 fire fighting vehicles,” the statement said.

The five-day long air show started on Wednesday and will conclude tomorrow.