BENGALURU. In an unfortunate incident a massive fire broke out in one of the parking areas outside the venue of Aero India 2019 at around 1155 hours on February 23, the first day when the Asia’s biggest airshow thrown open to public.

As per protocol the first three day of Aero India, which is being held biennially at Yelahanka Air Force Station in Bengaluru for more than two decades, is for exhibitors, foreign business delegates and media. The last two days are thrown open for public.

The parking area is located well away from the Aero India venue on the other side of the highway. All available fire fighting services, Rapid Action Force and NDRF teams were immediately pressed into the fire-fighting operations.

Indian Air Force (IAF) immediately launched one helicopter for aerial assessment, the helicopter assisted by providing effective directions to fight the fire. The fire was brought under control by deploying more than 12 fire fighting vehicles.

The cause of the fire was not immediately known. The Airshow and Aero India venues were unaffected. There was no loss of life or injury, however, as per existing estimates around 150 vehicles were burnt/ damaged in the process.

Details of damage to vehicles is being ascertained. Afternoon air display continued on time. A Court of Inquiry has been ordered to investigate the cause of fire.