Bethlehem, South Africa Chaos erupted at the Bethlehem Airshow in the Free State on Saturday, as several vehicles parked near the event caught fire, sending plumes of thick smoke into the air and causing alarm among attendees. The fire, which broke out in the early afternoon, quickly spread through a section of the parking area, damaging several vehicles and prompting a rapid response from emergency services.
Eyewitnesses reported hearing explosions before noticing the vehicles engulfed in flames, sparking panic among the crowds. Many people rushed to move their cars away from the fire as firefighters arrived to control the blaze.
One attendee, James Mokoena, who was at the airshow with his family, described the frightening scene: “We were watching the aerobatic displays when we saw black smoke coming from the parking lot. People started shouting and running toward their cars. It was really scary because we didn’t know how fast the fire would spread.”
The Bethlehem Airshow is one of the most anticipated events in the region, drawing large crowds to witness aerial performances and vintage aircraft displays. The show continued despite the incident, but authorities quickly cordoned off the affected area to ensure the safety of visitors.
According to Free State Fire and Rescue Services , the fire was brought under control within an hour, but several vehicles were completely destroyed. No injuries have been reported at this stage, though a number of car owners were left devastated by the damage to their property.
Spokesperson for the Bethlehem Airshow , Lindy Van Zyl, expressed relief that no one was hurt and praised the quick response of the emergency teams. “We are working closely with authorities to determine the cause of the fire and are grateful for the swift action by local firefighters. The safety of our guests remains our top priority, and we will continue to monitor the situation closely,” she said.
The exact cause of the fire is still under investigation, though early reports suggest that it may have been triggered by a vehicle malfunction. Authorities are also investigating whether the high temperatures during the day contributed to the fire’s rapid spread.
Meanwhile, event organizers have assured attendees that additional safety measures will be put in place for future airshows to prevent similar incidents. Affected vehicle owners are being assisted by authorities with insurance claims and reporting damages.
As the investigation unfolds, questions remain about whether safety protocols at the event were sufficient, particularly in managing large crowds and potential fire hazards. Many attendees expressed concern about the lack of immediate communication from the organizers during the incident.
Despite the scare, the Bethlehem Airshow proceeded with its scheduled events, and organizers emphasized that the majority of the show was unaffected by the fire. However, the incident has cast a shadow over what is normally a festive and family-friendly event in the Free State’s tourism calendar.
