According to new details from the investigation, the devastating fire that destroyed the Tomorrowland mainstage last July was triggered during tests with large fire bowls. VRT NWS reports that the incident began with a smaller fire in a decorative bowl before spreading to the massive stage structure. An investigation and litigation are ongoing to determine who is liable for the approximately 60 million euros in damages.
The fire, which occurred just days before the festival was set to open, appears to have originated from a specific test involving special effects equipment. Sources close to the investigation state that technicians were testing at least four large “fire bowls”—two-meter-wide basins filled with highly flammable material designed to create spectacular flame effects during performances. You can see an example of these fire bowls below in use during Tomorrowland Winter.
Timeline of the Disaster
During these pre-festival tests, one of the bowls unexpectedly caught fire. This initial flare-up was reportedly captured by security cameras monitoring the festival grounds. While the exact mechanism of how the fire leaped from the bowl to the stage is still under review, the flames eventually spread to the main structure.
The rapid escalation of the fire was likely fueled by the composition of the stage itself, which was constructed largely from wood and Styrofoam. Additionally, investigators noted that fireworks were scattered in the vicinity of the stage, which may have accelerated the blaze
Permit and Safety Issues
Beyond the immediate cause, the investigation has uncovered potential procedural errors. VRT NWS reviewed the municipal permit granted to the festival’s organizers and found discrepancies in how pyrotechnics were handled.
The report suggests that fireworks were placed under the stage earlier than permitted. The permit explicitly stated that fireworks should not be stored on the festival grounds in that manner. Furthermore, there are allegations that unauthorized personnel were present during these hazardous tests and that communication with federal safety officials was insufficient.
Reactions
Tomorrowland officials have declined to comment on the specific cause of the initial fire, citing the ongoing judicial investigation. “The investigation is still active, and we have full confidence in it,” said spokesperson Debby Wilmsen. The organization confirmed that all camera footage has been handed over to the public prosecutor.
Meanwhile, the Mayor of Boom, Jeroen Baert, expressed frustration with the flow of information. He stated that he had not been officially informed of these findings by the prosecutor’s office. “I cannot judge whether the reports are accurate because I simply do not know,” Baert said, noting that it is difficult for local authorities to determine if safety regulations were sufficient without access to the investigation’s conclusions.
The investigation remains ongoing in both the criminal and civil context, so the cause has not yet been determined. Stay tuned for more information as we get it.
The post Initial Findings Say Tomorrowland Fire Broke Out During Fire Bowl Test appeared first on EDMTunes.