The fire threatens the official opening of Tomorrowland.
On Tuesday afternoon, a strong fire broke out on the main stage of the Tomorrowland festival in Boom, near Antwerp (Belgium). The flames engulfed up to 75 % of the podium construction – black smoke was seen in the air, the explosions were heard, apparently from the pyrotechnics used in the preparation of the festival.
A total of approximately 1,000 workers were there, but still without viewers, as the festival officially starts on 18 July. Firefighters and rescue units intervene, the authorities have not yet managed to fully manage the flames. The district authorities called on the inhabitants of the area to close the windows and doors for strong smoke.
No injuries have been reported yet. The organizers of the festival and the emergency service components confirmed that the primary priority is the safety of workers and the surrounding community.
In the context of record participation (over 400,000 visitors on two weekends) and international cast (Alan Walker, Martin Garrix, David Guetta and others), this emergency situation may fundamentally affect the amendment of the festival program.
The festival program is uncertain
The organizers of the Tomorrowland festival confirmed serious damage to the main stage after a fire that broke out shortly before the start of the festival. According to the official statement, the event took place without injuries.
“Because of the serious incident and fire on the main stage of the Tomorrowland festival, our beloved the main stage was seriously damaged. We can confirm that no one was injured during the incident,” the festival said at its official social networks.
Despite the fire, the organizers have confirmed that Dreamville camping will open on Thursday 17 July according to plan and all activities in Brussels and Antwerp should be held unchanged. It is also worked on solutions for the main weekend of the festival from Friday to Sunday. They will inform about other possible changes soon.
