Tomorrowland has officially revealed what caused the devastating fire that destroyed its iconic Main Stage in Boom, Belgium.
The fire happened just days before the festival opened last year.
Festival co-founder Michiel Beers confirmed that the blaze resulted from human error.
His statement puts an end to months of speculation surrounding the incident.
Early rumors pointed to fireworks or electrical problems. However, those theories proved to be incorrect.
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Michiel Beers Explains How the Fire Started
According to Belgian newspaper Gazet van Antwerpen (GVA), the fire began after a subcontractor incorrectly connected a special effects system.
The mistake caused liquid ethanol to leak from a fuel line. The fuel powers the stage’s large flamethrower effects.
The ethanol quickly soaked into nearby construction and decorative materials. It then ignited and spread rapidly across the Main Stage.
The fire destroyed the entire structure in about 40 minutes. The extreme heat even melted and warped the steel framework beneath the stage.
Such damage requires temperatures exceeding 1,200°C (2,192°F).
Beers also addressed reports about the financial damage.
Earlier media reports suggested the losses could exceed €60 million. He said the actual damage was closer to €30 million (around US$32.5 million).
The organizer requires all independent suppliers to carry liability insurance before working at the festival.
As a result, insurance providers are handling most of the financial claims.
Meanwhile, the Antwerp Public Prosecutor’s Office continues its investigation. Independent fire experts are still preparing their final technical reports.
Tomorrowland Sees Unexpected Global Attention
Although the fire created major logistical challenges, it also generated enormous international attention.
Beers described the worldwide media coverage as “the best marketing ever” for the festival.
Interest in the festival increased significantly after the incident. Pre-registrations for the next edition more than doubled.
The number rose from 1.6 million to 3.3 million prospective attendees.
Despite losing its signature Main Stage, the team rebuilt an alternative stage in less than 48 hours.
The replacement allowed the festival to proceed as planned.
With the official cause now confirmed, Tomorrowland is focusing on the future.
The festival plans to strengthen its safety measures while continuing to develop ambitious stage productions for future editions.
