[imagesource:Dihlabeng Municipality/Facebook]

Free State police are looking into the circumstances that started a fire that damaged 19 cars at an annual airshow in Bethlehem.

One person was hurt in the Saturday afternoon fire, according to police spokesman Cpt. Loraine Earle. According to Arrive Alive, luxury cars like Audi and Mercedes Benz were caught in the blaze. The total value of the damage to the vehicles is R3 million.

In a Facebook post, the Dihlabeng Municipality said that the objective of the airshow revolves around the local community being active in the development of different forms of participation, promoting social cohesion and building capabilities in introducing aviation careers to learners.

The Bethlehem airshow was opened by the Free State MEC for Finance, Economic Development and Tourism Toto Makume with Executive Mayor of Dihlabeng Local Municipality Tseki Tseki also in attendance.

According to an eyewitness, the event quickly turned into a nightmare as everyone rushed to their cars in the hopes they could save them.

“The event was entertaining because we were being taught about pilots and types of aircraft until it was announced that one car parked outside was on fire. Minutes later it was announced that eight cars had caught fire, then it was 10.

“We rushed out because it was getting serious. I am not aware of anyone who was injured because we were all inside watching the airplanes in the sky.

According to Arrive Alive, the fire was started from an attempt to set up a fire meant to braai meat.

[source:sowetan&arrivealive]