A new investigation links last year's Orbyz stage fire to a pyrotechnic testing accident just 48 hours before gates opened.
Reports from Het Laatste Nieuws indicate that an ethanol leak during fire bowl testing triggered the blaze that leveled Tomorrowland’s mainstage last year. The flammable liquid ignited while subcontractors were preparing the festival's pyrotechnic array.
The accident forced organizers into a high-speed pivot, eventually sourcing stage components from Metallica’s touring rig to keep the event on track. While the 2025 edition proceeded with a temporary setup, the damage had a ripple effect, leading to the postponement of Tomorrowland Brasil.
Festival spokesperson Debby Wilmsen acknowledged the incident as part of their history but maintained that safety protocols were functional. An independent risk analysis commissioned by WEAREONE.world confirmed that evacuation procedures would have protected fans even if the site had been occupied.
Moving forward, management claims refined operational measures are in place. However, they concede that human error and technical failures remain inherent risks in large-scale production. The festival returns to Boom this weekend for its standard double-weekend run.