The fire that destroyed the main stage at this summer’s Tomorrowland music festival in Boom (Antwerp Province) is believed to have started during a test involving large fire bowls filled with highly flammable substances. Whether this is actually the case is still under investigation as who is liable for what is an estimated 60 million euro that was caused by the blaze.
Tomorrowland main stage fire believed to have started during test involving highly flammable substances in fire bowls
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On Wednesday 16 July fire broke out during tests of at least four fire bowls that are used to create dramatic flame effects. It is reported that what was initially at small ignited in one of the bowls before spreading to the stage structure. Being built largely from polystyrene and wood the stage was completely destroyed. Fireworks stored near the stage also ignited and this accelerate the blaze.
Despite a rapid response from firefighters, the main stage was completely destroyed. A replacement stage was erected at the same spot within 48 hours.
Sources say the pyrotechnic bowls contained not only fuel but also strontium compounds, which can act as fire accelerants as they release oxygen when heated. CCTV cameras are said to have footage of the moment the initial fire started. Investigators are now determining whether flames from the bowl definitively spread to the stage decor and are examining why the fire spread so quickly.
The fire investigation is investigation is also looking at how fireworks were stored at the festival site. A permit from the Boom municipal authorities that granted permission for the festival explicitly stated that fireworks were not to be kept on the festival grounds.
More than 30 parties are now involved in the case. They range from companies that suffered commercial losses to those responsible for construction of the stage and those responsible for handling hazardous goods. Both a criminal investigation into suspected unintentional arson and a civil investigation into technical liability are under way. Officials say that determining who is responsible could take years.
Meanwhile, the organisers of the festival are refraining from comment and referring any questions concerning the fire to the prosecutor’s office.