Braai gone wrong

Thousands of aviation enthusiasts flocked to the Bethlehem Airshow over the weekend, eager to witness a day filled with thrilling aerial displays. The organizers went to great lengths to ensure everything ran smoothly, with every detail meticulously planned. Even the massive car park had been burnt well in advance to prevent any fire hazards.

However, despite these efforts, a problem emerged when many attendees parked in areas that had not been part of the pre-emptive burn. A combination of carelessness and bad luck struck when a group of spectators decided to fire up a braai in this unburnt section of the car park. What started as a casual, innocent braai quickly escalated into chaos when a strong wind overturned the braai, sending embers flying and igniting the dry grass.

The fire spread rapidly, fanned by the gusty wind, turning what was supposed to be a day of entertainment into a potentially dangerous situation. The firefighters on site had to act quickly, working tirelessly to contain the flames before they spread further. Their swift response likely prevented the fire from causing more extensive damage, but the thick smoke that enveloped the area made it impossible for pilots in the air to see the ground clearly, forcing the airshow to be halted.

As public broadcasters, Capital Sounds had their hands full during the crisis. Keeping a large crowd informed under such circumstances is no small feat, but the efforts of Elvis Manene and Christo van den Berg were truly commendable.

They worked diligently, relaying emergency messages and updates to ensure everyone in attendance stayed informed and safe.

In the end, while the fire was eventually brought under control, it served as a stark reminder of the unpredictability of nature and the importance of being mindful of fire safety—especially in open areas where thousands are gathered. Hats off to the entire emergency crew for their quick thinking and efforts to minimize what could have been a far more serious incident.

Source and Images : Capital Sounds