300 vehicles gutted after fire at Aero India show parking lot

Fire at Aero India show parking lot, vehicles gutted
People have been asked to move away from the area after fire at the parking lot outside the Aero India show at the Air Force Station, Yehlahanka.

Bengaluru: Around 300 vehicles were gutted after a major fire broke out at the parking area outside Air Force Station Yelahanka on Saturday. However, there were no reports of casualties.

The most likely cause was a 'dry grass fire aided by heavy winds,' said DGP Fire Services M N Reddi in a tweet.  He also said that fire was under control and no injuries or any harm to people was reported.

A blanket of thick black smoke engulfed the area causing panic among locals and those visiting Aero India on its fourth day.

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With Saturday being a public day at the show there were thousands visiting the air base.

The fire broke out around 12.30 pm soon after the morning session of flying display got over. 

“The grass at the parking lot (Gate No 5) caught fire and it spread within no time,” a police constable said.

Fire tenders were rushed to the spot and the traffic on the highway too came to a halt. People were asked to move away from the area. Air Force and police and Rapid Action Force were also at the spot.

Aero India
Air Force and police and Rapid Action Force are at the spot.

People near the gate claimed they heard loud explosions.

Gate No 5 is situated opposite AFS Yelahanka and it is part of the base. The Bellary Road separates both sides of the base and it leads to the Bengaluru International Airport.

The fire broke out three days after two Surya Kiran Hawks had collided mid-air and crashed Tuesday during the FDR (Full Dress Rehearsal), killing Wing Commander Sahil Gandhi and injuring Squadron Leader Tejeshwar Singh and Wing Commander Vijay Shelke.

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