Huge plumes of thick black smoke could be seen in the sky near the Yelahanka air base in north Bengaluru, where about a 100 aircraft are parked for the biennial Aero India 2019 event
Nearly 300 vehicles have been destroyed in a big fire at the parking lot of the venue of the air show in Bengaluru on Saturday afternoon. Officials say the cause of the fire could be a lit cigarette that was disposed on the grass in the open field.
Huge plumes of thick black smoke could be seen in the sky near the Yelahanka air base in north Bengaluru, where about a 100 aircraft are parked for the biennial Aero India 2019 event. 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.
IAF's Surya Kiran aerobatic team fly in a 'missing man' formation. Pic/PTI
The fire, which started at 11.55 am, has been brought under control and no injuries have been reported. A 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 statement said.
IAF's Surya Kiran team pays tribute to Sahil Gandhi
Days after an accident involving the two aircraft of the Surya Kiran Aerobatics Team, which killed one pilot, the team took to the skies on Saturday - the fourth day of the Aero India. The audience stood in silence as the team of seven aircraft flew in an arrow formation and a missing man formation to mourn their fallen pilot.
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