Bethlehem Airshow| Photo Supplied
By Nkosana Khumalo
The much-anticipated Bethlehem Airshow, held on 7 September 2024, ended in disaster when a fire broke out, destroying over 30 vehicles. The incident, which occurred at the Bethlehem Airfield in the Free State, quickly escalated as emergency services rushed to the scene.
Fire Breaks Out at Bethlehem Airshow
According to initial reports, the fire is believed to have started due to hot coals from a braai (barbecue) area being blown into the dry grass by the wind. This unfortunate accident led to the rapid spread of the fire, fueled by the dry conditions at the venue. Eyewitnesses have stated that the fire spread quickly, causing extensive damage to cars parked nearby.
Dihlabeng Local Municipality confirmed the incident, expressing their regret for what they described as a “sad occurrence” that nearly spoiled what was otherwise 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 Response and Investigations
The fire was controlled by firefighters and emergency teams who responded promptly to 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 taking charge of the situation quickly, ensuring that no lives were lost. He stated, “The smoke was very thick and made it unpleasant, but the officials made good calls in taking the public’s safety into consideration.”
As of now, investigations into the exact cause of the fire are ongoing. Officials from Dihlabeng Local Municipality have assured the public that a more detailed statement will be issued once all the facts have been gathered.
Social Media Reaction
The incident has sparked outrage and disappointment on social media, with many attendees sharing their frustrations. Facebook user SK-Dog Bra-Gibs shared, “Bethlehem Airshow turned into a misery… Apparently, ‘people decided to have a braai and the wind blew off the hot coals’.”
Others pointed out issues with event management, highlighting the long queues and additional fees for tickets that were not communicated upfront. Malome Tactix, another attendee, shared, “Worst Bethlehem Airshow ever… At the end, over 5 cars burnt down due to negligence.”
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