Absolute shambles at 2019 Aero India airshow: around 150 vehicles destroyed by a fire

The 2019 Aero India airshow, currently held in Bengaluru, India is turning into a complete disaster. On 19 February – prior to the opening of the airshow -, two Team Surya Kiran Hawk Mk127s (A3671 and A3679) crashed during a rehearsal exercise. Today, a massive fire broke out on one of the parking lots destroying around 150 cars.

In a press release, the Indian Ministry of Defence explains what happened: “This morning at around 11:55 (local) an unfortunate incident occurred, wherein fire broke out in one of the parking areas outside the venue of Aero India 2019. The parking area is located well away from the Aero India venue on the other side of the highway. All available fire fighting services, Rapid Action Force and NDRF teams were immediately mobilised. 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 cause of the fire was not immediately known. The Air Show and Aero India venues were unaffected. There was no loss of life or injury, however, as per existing estimates around 150 vehicles were burnt / damaged in the process. Details of damage to vehicles is being ascertained. Afternoon air display continued on time. A Court of Inquiry has been ordered to investigate the cause of fire.”

Quickly after the fire, movies appeared on social media (even the organisation uploaded a movie on Facebook)