‘Agni-Pariksha’ For Aero India 2019 In Bengaluru As Fire Near Gate 5 Guts At Least 300 Cars 

Vehicles went up in flames near Gate 5 of the Aero India in Bengaluru on Saturday (23 February), resulting in massive damage. The fire started near the Air Force Station, Yelahanka Gurudwara, near Bharati Nagar Gate, and destroyed at least 300 cars, reports Indian Express.

Ambulances stationed at the site attended to people suffering from smoke inhalation. They were soon rushed to nearby hospitals. No other casualties were reported.

The Week quoted a policeman as saying that one car caught fire, which then spread to around 50-60 cars around it, resulting in the tower of smoke and a massive blaze. The estimated damage has increased three-fold since then.

More than 10 fire engines were at the site to douse the blaze, which is now under control. Officials reportedly said that sparks from the burning cars resulted in smaller fires around the area, which are under control now.

The crowd near the gate reportedly heard loud explosions from the blaze caused by the bursting tyres and exploding fuel tanks.

Initially, the blaze and thick smoke were moving towards the area where hundreds of vehicles were parked. As the owners of the cars were at the show, more damage was expected as the cars couldn’t be moved. Later, police were seen trying to mobilise the cars with the help of tow trucks. A police cordon has been reportedly put up, and people have been asked to stay away from the area.

Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy said that he had instructed police and fire officials to take appropriate action.